What I have always done...
(Pfleuger Medalist 1498 and Cortland GRF 1000 9/10 weight and SA Sys 2 and Fenwick HMG 10 weight) is to take a shower WITH THE RODS/REELS, after fishing , which usually is wet wading,in cape cod or hudson river waters.... and soap them up good and wash/rinse them off with nice hot soapy water... both rigs look like new and have been fishing with me, (the medalist/cortland combo more often) for over 10 years, and both look like new... After drying, the reels get the requisite Breakfree CLP, (a high quality gun cleaning oil...) and the rods a little bit of armor all or STP cleaner.
Mike Bee


[This message has been edited by Mike Bee (edited 21 April 2006).]