Saltwater is brutal on motors, and I learned quickly that flushing is non-negotiable. After every trip, I hook up a set of ear muffs with a garden hose, start the motor, and let freshwater run through it for 10–15 minutes.
I also tilt the motor down afterward to drain any leftover water. It’s a simple routine, but it keeps corrosion from eating my outboard alive.
If you fish saltwater with a small motor, flushing should be part of your ritual.