I use Shimano Sonora and Sahara 2500 reels with ten lb line. I spray them off with the water hose when done. A couple of my reels are eight or ten years old and have had no problems. Maybe once a year I will do a little more detailed cleaning and lube the reel. As far as rigs I mostly use a carolina rig with 1/2 ounce sinker and 2/0 owner hook with finger mullet or live menhaden for bait. I fish it just like dragging a plastic worm on the bottom. When I use artificials a 2" little fishy jig is hard to beat.