Thread: mitchell 498 series for pier use?

Has anyone tried any of these reels on the pier yet? The reviews look good, but I don't know anyone who has first hand experience with them yet. Considering the 298 and 398 for Spanish, blues and hopefully kings the next time I make it to gulf shores.

I have a 398 loaded with 17# Trident and flour of leader. I used it in the surf when down last month, due to the heat not much luck. As for the 398, casting and retrieving, loved it. It felt as if it could handle a good size fish. Know this isn''t much help.

Im not familiar with trident, Is it braid or mono?

I've never heard of a 17 lb braid, but that doesn't mean its not out there. Lol

Originally Posted by fordguy

Im not familiar with trident, Is it braid or mono?

My goof Trilene 17# mono

My old-school 498 is a pretty good sized reel (with PUM). It would be more than adequate for the pier, perhaps even larger than needed.

There are newer versions with the same number.

Originally Posted by fordguy

Has anyone tried any of these reels on the pier yet? The reviews look good, but I don't know anyone who has first hand experience with them yet. Considering the 298 and 398 for Spanish, blues and hopefully kings the next time I make it to gulf shores.

What class are these reels in, 298,398,498....3000,4000...?

I think the drag system might be questionable now......unless upgraded, and not sure if that is avaliable. ......some of the more popular mitchelle reels are around.....would be worth checking into

Back in the early 70s I had a brand new Mitchell 498 for about one day of king fishing on the pier.
Found it extremely 'clunky', clumsy and heavy in my hands for that.
Traded it for a Penn 706 (which I still own and use on occasion ;-)

The new 298 has an 18 lb drag, the 398 and 498 have a 24 lb drag. All drags are carbon fiber. Reviews are good.