I'm trying to find info on oil/ lube and cleaning of spinning and bait casting reels used around salt water. I've checked the web and have got some conflicting info on when and where to use grease, and when for oil. Is this something that should be left to a pro? Thanks for any help.

I would call Ollie Damon in portland and see what thy say. I don't now there phone number but you can get it from information.

Another source is John's Sporting Goods in Everett. John's family has owned this store for years and he is the Shimano and Abu Garcia authrized repair shop in WA.

What he told me was to spray the reel down with WD-40 after use in the salt, a light coating, and then wipe off the excess. I think the idea is that it will protect the finish and displace any water that tries to penetrate into the moving parts. ??? I was skeptical, as I read so often to spray a reel down with fresh water.

When I took my buddy's reel in for maintenance, John showed me the inside of the spool where water had gotten inside and totally rusted the spool. He again emphasized the WD-40 method.

I do as John said as an experiment now for about a year. So far no problems and it does keep the finish looking nice. I think he told me to be careful not to over oil the reel also. I just use a drop on my levelwind or sometimes spray it with Zep lubricant. (The Zep is my own idea because it works so well for other items, I love the stuff)

Please post whatever you learn as you call around!

Make sure and tighten your drag before you spray to keep it out. Spraying with water will also drive the salt in further into your reels. You should take them apart every year and clean them. When storing back the drag all of the way off. I think Salmonuniversity.com has something on there too.

Do a heavy mist of fresh water - not a hard spray. Then mist with salt-away solution, WD40 or LPS2.

Thanks for the help to all.
Salmon U was in favor of a couple of products: Salt-Away in place of WD40 for moisture and salt displacement/cleaning, and ReelX for the lube.
Most articles generally agree on cleaning after each saltwater use with a light spray of freshwater (with the drag set tight to keep moisture out), air drying , spraying with WD40 or other moisture displacer, sparingly apply a quality oil to external components, storing with a fully loosened drag to prevent washer warp, and complete overhauls once a year. I'd still like to find some detailed info on internal cleaning and lubrication during overhaul. I checked the manufacturer web sites and they gave exploded diagrams, but no specifics as to which parts get oil and which get grease, how much and which types.