Saltwater Fishing - Reel Question

[TLHSS]

I plan to do some saltwater fishing, and wanted to know if it's safe to use one of my freshwater reels without destroying it?  I will be fishing from a dock, so no sand, and no possibility to dropping the reel into saltwater.  If it's safe to do, do I just rinse the reel off with water after fishing?

 

Sorry in advance for the basic question ...

[islandbass]

What reel were you planning to use? I know many of the shimano reels are saltwater worthy BUT you have to wash them down with freshwater after each outing and wipe them down.  Personally, I don’t half a$$ on this as I am anal with my gear because I want them to last. I also take them apart (not for a complete overhaul) just to see if any traces of saltwater, and other particulates might have been missed. Wipe them down dry them and I might go over it with some rubbing alcohol to remove any fishiness and grime. 
 

Some manufacturers tell you if a particular reel might not be saltwater worthy. For example, I have that tan colored pflueger trion bc reel and they stated in the manual NOT FOR USE IN SALTWATER, lol. I have used all of my Shimano reels — my symetre, curados, cardiff and my sienna in the salt with zero issues. 

[you]

^^Agreed^^ Should be no problem.

 

I've used inexpensive shimanos, daiwas, and 13s (all spinning) for saltwater fishing from a kayak, where they frequently get sprayed/splashed. When I get home, I take off any lures or tackle, spray the rod and reel down well with a hose, dry everything off with a rag, and give the reel about 50 cranks afterward.

 

With regular saltwater use, you'll probably want to re-lube more often. Good opportunity to spot check for rust on any steel parts.

[padlin]

When I travel I use my oldest least valued reel, for me a Diawa Capricorn which is built like a tank, on an 2 pc inshore St Croix rod. I do rinse both well after use. I would not use any of my good stuff.
 

I do have dedicated rods and reels here at home but nothing small I’d take traveling, it’s all pretty low end as it gets real beat up on the rocks.

[Hammer 4]

I use to fish the salt 3 to 4 times a week with my bass rigs, shimano reels both baitcasting and spinning. All I did was Gently rinse them off with my hose, never had any issues.

I did however clean them every 2 to 3 months.

[heyitskirby]

Even if you are using saltwater gear, you should always rinse after fishing in salt.

 

I wash down my rods, reels, certain tackle, tackle bag, coolers, everything.  Salt will ruin anything with metal on it.

[Captain Phil]

50 years of fishing in both fresh and salt water.  Yes, you can use a freshwater reel and rod in salt water.  You will be shortening it's life, but there are precautions you can take.  As others have said, wash them down with fresh water when you return.  Do not use high pressure or you will drive the salt deeper into the reel.  What's best is a fine spray.   The biggest problem with rods is the guides.  Make sure you rinse them thoroughly.   I like to coat everything with WD-40 before storing them.  

[Chris at Tech]

Rinse reels with light freshwater spray or windex, and wipe down.  Don’t neglect the rods either.  Rinse them off good, especially the guides.