Another Mitchell 300 fan here. I got this one for my birthday about 1967. It has outlasted all other reels in the family, which got tossed for one reason or another, and is still my favorite. I just strip it down to clean the gears then lube with reel grease every so often. I'm sure it will outlast me and get passed on when I'm gone. The rod was replaced in the 70's with a Berkley cork handle one when my wife at the time closed a car door on it.
Here are a couple of Bass Fishing. Classics...a half century ago. ABU AMBASSADOR 5500C's on Lew's Speed Sticks.
Also a fan of the 300. I have one around with several extra spools. I always liked how easy it was to change line.
I love my Penn reels, these are salt water reels, Senators, Del Mar. All the ones I own are USA made. Simple design, rugged, classic and never die.
I had the best rod and wheel...lost it doing angler kayaking last year when I flipped. Now the rock cod have it