saltwater fishing tips

Question
I live in Texas and am planning a fishing trip to the gulf of mexico. I recieved an Okuma Coronado CD 65 fishing reel loaded with 20 lb. test as a gift and am not sure of its quality or durability in saltwater. I do not have any fishing experience and would like to know how to care for it after returning and if I should exchange it for another type/brand of reel. Also recieved an American Rodsmiths PST 84LS 7' "light" rod with a 12-20 lb. capacity, is it sufficient for fishing off a deep sea boat, and/or pier/surf or is it too light? I was thinking of upgrading the rod to an Ugly Stick, would it be better? Sorry for the inexperience. Sincerely, Danny Angelica.  

Answer
Hi there Danny...Thanks for the question and sorry I wasnt able to get to it sooner...worked all weekend.
 Okuma is a relatively new company and line of product. So far the quality has proven satisfactory and I believe over the next few years, they will have a following of anglers. While I have yet to own or sell the any of there products, I think you'll be just fine. As for the American Rodsmiths Rod, sounds like a good choice as well. It also appears as though the rod and reel are well matched.
 Fishing the gulf should prove to be no problem with the equipment as long as the situation, structure and type of fish you will be chasing will be manageable with it. If you find yourself fishing oil rigs or wrecks, 20lb line may be a tad light...not necessarily for the fish you'll hook but because of the need to move the fish quickly away from the structure...tight drags and heavier lines (perhaps up to 40lb test or so)may be required. Personally, I'd go for it! Dorado(dolphin fish), snappers ( pargo in Mexico)smaller King mackerel, smaller amberjack, Trevally and other jacks will be easy for you with 20lb gear...just utilize the drag system the way it's designed and have FUN!
 As for maintenance...daily, mind you, remove the reel from the rod. Then, using mild soapy, warm water (soap..not detergent...try ivory liquid), use a light brush and scrub down the reel and the rod as well...cleaning away all the salt residue, fish guts, blood and scales...(you may laugh but I've taken them into the shower with me! We all come out sqeeky clean that way!) Then be certain to dry them with a clean cloth and then lubricate the moving parts of the reel with reel oil ( Daiwa makes good oil and great blue grease for reels) and even put a "tiny" amount of oil (not WD40) on the welds of each guide...(Most Japanese guides like Fuji light duty guides are stamped and have ceramic rings in them...oil is really not necessary on them but can extend the life if salt gets between the ceramic ring and the gide.)The line on the spool will air dry but be certain to change the line either after a few trips... or exceptionally long fights with fish that have taken lots of line from the reel...Change it even if the line on the reel was put on new and then left unused for a year or more...ozone, light and heat can weaken it... Line is the least expensive thing you and I can do to ensure boating those fish...it's ok to change it often. After the reel is clean, reassemble it and be certain to loosen the drag after it has dryed for a few hours (that will save your drag washers for a whole lot longer than if left tightened.)
  DO NOT do the following:
 1- DONT just rinse'em off with a hose and let them dry in the sun...the sun is your worst enemy for most tackle...wash'em and dry them off.
 2- Don't lubricate your reels or rods with WD 40! Its a GREAT lube to use as a solvent to loosen or even to clean reels but it also will break down and and with water, wash away any good lube/grease you have in place. ( I used WD 40 for years in a solvent tank in my tackle shop to clean reels.)
 Remember to take the reel down to the basic components and clean and dry them...saltwater gets into every nook and cranny and when the water drys, the salt is left behind...(just the spool sideplates...no need to disassemble the entire reel...unless it was submerged for more than a few seconds)then lubricate the moving parts with light grease or oil and reassemble.
 Also, while you are fishing, keep a good eye and feel for your line to pick up on nicks and abraision...just clip off the damage as you go (placing the damged line ends in a trash can...please don't drop em over the side and into the water).
 As for your question about the Ugly Stick? The rods are durable no doubt, but also heavy and not too sensitive...try the rodsmith rod and see how it handles with the reel...then make your decision.
 Danny, overall, just remember to have fun! And remember this, A buddy of mine named Steve Reschke, caught a striped Marlin in excess of 150lbs on 4lb line! So don't you worry about the 20lb gear....it and YOU, can DO IT!   
  Have fun...   Mark Rimmer- Allexperts.com