FisherGirl, it's great that you take good care of your gear, it will last. I think it looks like it was in the water, not sure, that photo's from a while back now, March 2013 is too long for me to remember. No harm to the reel if it is, in fact I've rinsed grit out with water streamside, that's the beauty of an Islander, all you need is a coin to open her up. Just don't drop that little screw -oops! I hear you should dry the backing as it can rot or shrink or something. I maintain the reel fairly well as it's simple only takes a wee minute or three once at home to open her up, clean and lube. Pin has been idle lately as I've been swinging instead.