I would like to use this reel to catch bait fish primarily Bayside but, I might do some light Surf fishing as well.

How much do I need to worry about light saltwater exposure with a freshwater rinse afterwards? This rig is generally set up for Bluegill and Crappie so, I don't want to trash it if saltwater and salt air are a real threat to it.

TIA,
Sid

Just about any reel will last a long time, IF it's rinsed, taken apart and lubed after a day in the salt.

And just about any reel will live a short and painful life if it's not cared for.

That is the only thing I never cared for fishing saltwater.....BUT I Still Love It

I've got several 25 year old quantum reels that are still pumping along, not known for their saltwater resistance, they get rinsed and lubed after every trip, and still do their thing.

And I've got some newer that are in the parts bucket, they all get treated the same, but some want on the team, and some not so much. All variety of brands.

The Metanium is approved by Shimano for saltwater but personally I’d shy away from it. Magnesium and salt don’t go together well.

I agree. Magnesium reels aren’t the best choice in saltwater. Generally the lower bearing count reels are better. Do not dunk them when wading. Rinse well, keep them oiled.

I have a shop go through them after a longer period of use. Sometimes there is a bearing replacement needed.

Take a look at the Bantam 150 MGL, it is better suited for saltwater.

Shimano 20 Metanium is pretty solid in saltwater. I will say I wash it and clean it after every trip, but I've been surf fishing galveston 4 times this summer already, and used the same reel last summer with no issues. That's with open boca bearings and that reel will wrench in a sea trout, red fish, and gaff top like it's a perch.