Linden Gilka

in december I got a shimano stradic 3000xg, I only fished it once in saltwater(if this has anything to do with it) and multiple times in the freshwater and caught a couple medium sized bass. in late january i was looking at my reel and checking it out, i noticed that the drag was silent but then it goes back to normal, but not as loud as it used to be. the drag goes periodically silent and smooth but then its starts to click and you can feel the drag engaged,i checked the clicker and every thing seems fine. i would like to know what your guys opinion is on the problem. thanks!