Shane, I have used my Calcutta 251 mostly for salt water for the past year. I have not had any problems with it but I do rinse my reel well after each outing. Also the Calcutta 25 and below maybe Gold colred but these reel were not ment for the salt water. I think you are better off with a Abu Garcia c3,c4 for the salt and save your money and get a Gloomis 1025, this combination is excellent.
The 1025 is rated at 8-17 Lb test and 1oz lure weight. I have used this rod for everything from Kings to Sockeye. This rod will handle the lighter line and fish and the hogs. Good Luck.