Fall in Michigan is hands down one of the best times to fish. The salmon are in thick, steelhead are starting to show up, and the rivers are full of life. Whether you’re new to fishing or just want gear that won’t fail on you, I’ve got two reels that have held up season after season: the Piscifun Alijoz 300 and the Carbon X II.
I’ve used both while guiding in Michigan for the last two years. They’ve taken drops, dirt, water, and plenty of abuse—and they still work like day one. For the price, nothing else comes close.
Piscifun Alijoz 300 – Tough Enough for Kings
The Alijoz 300 is my go-to baitcaster when targeting kings and cohos. It’s solid, smooth, and strong enough to put the breaks on a 30lb silver king right out of lake michigan.
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- Built like a tank
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- Smooth drag that holds up on big runs
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- Good for beginners if you set the brakes right
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- Great Client Reel
I’ve handed this reel to clients with zero baitcasting experience, and they figured it out quickly. It’s simple and works.
Piscifun Carbon X II – Lightweight and Reliable
This one’s a spinning reel I use for float fishing and even chucking thundersticks. It’s super light, smooth, and pairs well with medium-heavy rods and 30lb braid.
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- Lightweight, won’t wear you out
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- Reliable drag system
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- Good for steelhead, coho, even early browns
No weird issues, no drama—just a solid spinning reel that does its job.
Final Thoughts
If you’re fishing Michigan rivers this fall and want gear that won’t blow your budget but can still take a beating, the Alijoz 300 and Carbon X II are both solid choices. I’ve used them on real trips with real clients, and they’ve earned their place in my boat.
Pair either with your favorite 30–40lb braid and you’re good to go. Next post will be a river salmon rigging setup.