fishing in the ocean and...

[Vinny Chase]

Now i need to know how what to do to clean out my bait caster. Does it matter if i have only used it a few times? What do you guys usually do to make sure the salt water does not damage your reel?

Thanks,

VC

[Bassn Blvd]

Gently flush with fresh water after EVERY use, and that doesn't mean wait until the next day.

DO NOT force the water into the reel.

[SirSnookalot]

Bulk of my fishing is saltwater and all I do is a good fresh water rinse with a hose after each outing(light spray).  Your worst nightmare is sand, if that happens I personally have my reels professional cleaned. 

[islandbass]

Yup, lightly rinse the reels, but no water blasting. I will also take a look inside to make sure that there is no sand or seaweed or whatever inside. Shimano has a decent tutorial on its home page about doing light reel maintence on both casting and spinning reels that you might find useful.

I also do it the same day. I won't wait. An ounce of prevention as the saying goes...