Retrieve: This reel is relatively smooth when retrieving a lure. It does make a bit more noise than average, but nothing obnoxious or unnerving. Upon turning the handle, there is slightly more resistance than most reels. It's really not an issue at all, just something you'll likely notice right away. After fishing it for a bit, you become used to it and don't even think about it. If you are extremely picky, it may be a minor annoyance when working a slow-moving lure like a shaky head worm or drop-shot rig across the bottom.

The instant anti-reverse works great for helping to provide solid hook sets. Handle back play is absent throughout the full range of the retrieve. The anti-reverse can also be turned off with a small switch on the bottom of the reel for those few that still prefer to back-reel.

The 300 PRO doesn't feel like the most powerful reel out there. Under heavier drag settings and loads (or just plain small, but very hard fighting fish) I noticed the reel didn't seem to have quite the cranking power I've experienced with other small spinning reels. The bit of frame flex I mentioned earlier likely comes into play here, thus hurting the reel a touch in the power department.

Drag: The 300 PRO features a satisfying drag for it's price range, but in the grand scheme of things when compared to all other reels out there it does lack a bit of refinement. Starting on a positive note, the drag kicks in without any sign of start-up inertia, except for just a hint around the highest setting. This was a pleasant surprise to me for a reel costing so little. It's also pretty smooth across the range of settings, and there's no abrupt hesitation or jerky feeling. My “unrefined” comment stems from the fact that the drag exhibits a slight bumpiness, most notable under moderate to high drag settings. It's enough to barely make the rod tip pump a bit as line is being taken out, but it's not the silky smoothness you'll find with higher-priced reels. The drag does make a very pleasant tone as a fish runs. For the price, I don't think you'll be disappointed in the least!

Ergonomics: Despite the polymeric body and porting, the 300 PRO remains on the heavy side. Compared to similarly-sized aluminum spinning reels the weight difference is about an ounce or so on average, but interestingly this reel is lighter than some other Pure Fishing reels including all of the Abu Revo reels minus the Premier. When you think about it the weight isn't so bad once you realize how much less the Mitchell costs than some of its rivals! Mitchell's Brand Manager, Matt Kitchen, brought up a interesting point during our dialogue that the reel sizing may throw some people off when considering the weight since the Mitchell 300 is comparable to a 40 or 4000 size reel yet is occasionally referenced alongside 2500 reels. 

The aluminum handle features a flat EVA foam knob that feels comfortable and is nicely sized. I'm glad Mitchell didn't opt for a round EVA knob, as the flat shape feels much more comfortable and secure, especially when reeling rapidly. It's very easy to grip, firm, never gets slippery, and compliments the rest of the reel nicely.

Durability: A ton of time wasn't spent with the Mitchell 300 PRO, but in my experience with it I didn't see any problems with durability. The drag remained smooth and retained its like-new consistency even after several saltwater fishing trips and post-fishing freshwater washdowns. The retrieve also remained just as it was out of the box.

The Mitchell does lack that real rock-solid feel I like to see in any reel. The reel feels good, but that really firm, rigid, connected feel is somewhat absent. If a reel is super light I consider it a trade-off, but since this reel is no lightweight it leaves a little to be desired. As I previously mentioned, the frame/rotor flex and an extra bit of sound during retrieve adds to the overall sensation that this reel is definitely not the most solid reel out there. With that said, it will still be just fine for most anglers, particularly ones shopping at this price point.

Price & Applications: Carrying an MSRP of $69.95, I feel that is a very fair price for this product. Overall it lacks a little refinement here and there, but compared to other offerings around the same price it's a worthy competitor. If you are looking for a high level of refinement, you are not going to be shopping in the sub-$100 price range anyhow.

The 300 PRO is a versatile reel for a multitude of applications. Freshwater anglers will find a place for it when targeting species like bass, walleye, and steelhead. Saltwater addicts should see it being good for smaller inshore species like snook, redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and bonefish. The body of the reel should also do a very good job resisting corrosion, just as it did for me during testing. There is no sign of corrosion or rust anywhere inside or out.