It’s a very simple question, but it begs more questions and answers for safely traveling with your fishing gear. The video below describes most of the essentials.
Best Fishing Rod for Travel
As a beginner fisher, I got one of the rods that you can take apart, but looking at it now, it would have been easier to get one of the fishing poles that can be retracted and folded like this one.
How To Take it In a Car?
Do not be lazy. Simply deconstruct your fly rod and equipment then put them in the appropriate bags and containers.
You want to use towels or something to cushion your reels and rod especially. If you will be traveling off-road, it is vital to have to cushion to absorb any shock from bumps or rocks.
Your bags and containers should be at the bottom of the trunk in order to prevent them from bouncing or flying off somewhere, but be careful of putting too much load on them to break the containers.
Is a Fishing Rod Considered a Carry-On?
From the official TSA website, it says:
Fishing rods are permitted in carry-on and checked bags; however, passengers should check with the airline to confirm that the fishing rod fits within size limitations for carry-on items.
Sharp fishing tackle that may be considered dangerous, such as large fish hooks, should be sheathed, securely wrapped, and packed in your checked bags. Like other high-value objects, you may wish to pack expensive reels or fragile tackle that does not pose a security threat (small flies) in your carry-on bags.
– TSA
So if your fishing rod is within the size limit for the specific airline, you can bring it as a carry-on.
Are Fishing Hooks Allowed on Planes?
Small fish hooks that doesn’t pose a threat and are deemed safe by TSA might be allowed, but you are taking a chance and at the mercy of the TSA agent. If they are having a bad day, maybe if you said something to tick them off, or for whatever reason, it’s at their discretion whether you will have to leave your fishing hook or not.
It’s better to wrap or sheath any fishing lures and hooks in your checked baggage at the end of the day.
