Charlie2

I kinda like the drilled 402. What does the holes do for you except for 'eye candy'? Weight reduction?

What does the holes do to structural integrity?

Third question? What did you use to drill the holes? Just curious. C2

Mike W

Charlie,

The holes do indeed reduce weight a noticeable amount. The main purpose would be to allow saltwater/sand to flush out of the reel should it get dunked when surf fishing, but I don't plan on it getting dunked. But mostly weight reduction and the "cool factor" in my case.

As for structural integrity, the reel is still very strong. I too was concerned about it at first, but the reel and all parts are just as rigid as before...now if I cut slots instead of holes I think it would be weakened, thus my reasoning for holes.

To drill the holes I simply marked everything out on graph paper, taped it to the reel, and then used a small Craftsman punch to mark where each hole should be. I then proceeded to drill 3/16" and 1/4" holes with titanium drill bits and a cordless drill. All in all it went very smoothly and only took me about 3.5 hours to mark and drill everything...well worth it IMO.

Ocean Master

In the 50's all we had were Mitchell and Shakespear. I used Mitchelle's all the way to 1978.

__________________
"How I Roll" On 71

"Wheelchair Accessible Fishing"

Mullethead

I stand corrected ... its all coming back to me now ! -

Back in the 70's when i was pier rat the weapons of choice were M402's with manuals and cross windes , or a 706Z

Nice reel by the way!

FLWhaler

The Mitchell 402 is still my weapon of choice in spinning gear currently have 4 and only lost one in the last 40 years. It was over 30 years old at the time. If anyone finds it down at the bottom of greens hole please give it back.JK
Mullet saw the post from New Year’s Day if you’re ever stuck on going it alone put me on the emergency call list.

tofer

The 706 is the BEST pier reel made with pier fishers in mind. A stock 706 with a pancake is hard to beat for an all around reel and many are still in use. Parts have however dried up and it will cost a pretty penny to find one at all. Mitchell's are still widely available but are sure to eventually run out too. They have more capacity than a 706 and are slightly sturdier. You have to modify them to make them a GREAT pier reel but once modified to your liking they are hard to beat. They have tons of parts and require regular maintenance but I fish mine for kings and cobia off the pier. Both with added crosswinds, manual pick-ups, high speed handles, and ht100 drag washers. Just my .02 but to honest a new 750ssm will handle most fish off the pier now a days, stock off the shelf with very little work to it. Sadly these classic reels are a dying breed but are kept alive by those who love them.

__________________