First, I only fish freshwater, so know nothing about the salt. I began fishing sometime in the 50's. When I began driving, my fishing improved. The sixties were a decade of very poor water management in the Northeast, where I lived. I, personally observed this awful smelling green fluid being dumped directly through a 3ft. Metal tube, into 2 rivers in the area where I lived. They have since eliminated this practice. However, those rivers were unable to sustain life for many years. Today, they do hold fish, and other aquatic life. The smell is still there, though. But I do digress. I think the fishing today is as good as I remember. I live in Central Fl. now, and love all the great fishing available to me. I really couldn't ask for better. One caviat, I don't have to go on the water on weekends.