The Piscifun Alijoz 400 Saltwater/Freshwater Baitcasting Reel - Crushing it or Crap?

Twenty some years ago, people looked at me like I had two heads fishing inshore with Shimano Curado baitcasters in the North East. These were go to down south whether pulling big bass from pads or reds inshore. Shimano then introduced the Curado DC with it's microchipped cast control system, because what goes better with chips than salt? Great if you're pro-staff and not shelling out, but.... The Shimano Tranx upped the game with capacity and drag in a low-profile baitcaster, along with the price. Today I received a Piscifun Alijoz 400 Saltwater/Freshwater Baitcasting Reel at a holiday season price of $109. Is the Alijoz 400 remotely comparable to the Tranx, or any good at all for that matter? For a bit over a Benjamin, we'll find out in the New Year! 

Model               Gearing       Drag     Weight     Mono Capacity    Line per crank 

Alijoz 400         8.1:1           35lb.      411g        17-270/24-208     42" 

Tranx 401HG    7.6:1            8lbs.     340g        16-300/25-200     39"

Fall Run was HOT!!!!

This year's fall run was hot! Whether slot sized stripers crashing beaches or big pigs feeding before the migration, the fishing and catching was outstanding. I don't think I made a single run out where I couldn't find fish 40"+. Whether 40" fish on the fly, or 40lb.+ crushing bunker and sucking down eels, we couldn't ask for much better fishing. While the young of the year report has certainly raised alarm bells, maybe these new regs have helped boost numbers of big breeders that will make up for shortfalls in the years to come. Time will tell.  

Fish like these on the fly.