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Do u rate any of the new \"Big Pit\" reels as you have said in your reply to my goodself? I have hears some good things regarding okuma , Diawa and Penn big fixed spools, and finally where can I get my hands on a 498 in good working order, I have seen some on e bay but I dont think they are made anymore, mine is on its ass, did mitchell ever replace this model ?
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ebay is your best bet, theres no shortage of 498s there from brand new limited editions at serious prices (several hundred of £) which collectors are going for to very serviceable used models, prices start from about £25 for a good second hand reel. Note the Mitchell 498 was still in production in 2000. Spares (if you ever need them) are plentiful and interchangeable between other models so if you have a serious problem like the main spindle failing (rare but it can happen) then you can butcher a left handed reel (usually cheaper to buy) to get the part.
To help line lay its a good idea to put some backing on the reel, which can be profiled to improve things. Also why fill the reel with hundreds of yards of line when about 250 yards is more than enough whilst fishing, but make sure its level with the lip of the spool. I use cheap line from the likes of \"Jims Tackle\" who sells non branded line from £2.29 per 4 oz spool (which looks very much like an Ultima spool) that 4 to 5 reel refills per spool, so when it starts twisting just bin it and start again.
Penn have some \"retro\" models in their range, but you would have to import from the continent or the USA and the prices are more than a new Mitchell 498.
As for current big pit reels, I have a Daiwa Emblem 5500a and a Mitchell Armada which I use for tournament casting. I don\'t think either would last as long as a Mitchell 498. The Okuma AX65 looks good for the price and it comes with a 5 year warranty and a spare metal spool, but the line lay is not perfect.
Always bare in mind, don\'t take this fishing lark to seriously. The fish wouldn\'t know the difference between £600 worth of top notch gear and £2 worth of orange hand line launched to infinity with a broom stick with a nail in the end.
aka "Frodo Baggins" -
Cheers fella
Who is this jims tackle , is it the fella based in cornwall ?
I use about 30 pound, straight throughComment
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Thats him.aka "Frodo Baggins"Comment
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