Thread: Flying with gear...

So I'm just curious if anyone has some experience with flying with fishing gear. Not that I'll need a ton, but I would hate to lose stuff. Anyways I'm needing some salt therapy someday soon, and crossing my fingers for a trip this fall. My thought is that I'll bring one rod case with 2 rods, one medium action, 7' rod and a light-med 6'6 rod with a couple of reels in my carryon. Of course I'd rather drive but time is more of a concern so I'll have to make the best of it. What would you bring?

BPS has some neat travel rod sets ($110-$160)
Offshore Angler Ocean Master Travel Spinning Rod | Bass Pro Shops
Shimano Compre Travel Spinning Rod | Bass Pro Shops

It was quite some time back, but I made a rod case out of PVC pipe that took good care of my rods to Ecuador and back. I secured the removable end cap with sheet metal screws---not real quick to remove, but won't come off accidentally.

If they are two piece rods you could use a short case and carry them on. If a woman is traveling with you she could put the reels in one of those large shoulder bags. They probably won't let you carry on any hooks for fear of you using them to highjack the plane using the hooks as a weapon.

Chris,if your coming to GS,just bring your reels and borrow some rods from me being I have access to a few. You need to check into the cost of an extra piece of luggage eight feet long before showing up at the airport with it . It might be cheeper to go to Home Depot or another place that sells carpet and get a six inch tube they roll it on then ship it UPS to your destination.

Yeah your right John, I'll have to see what they allow. I was thinking they'll probably be two piece though so I think I can actually carry them on, and just check one bag with my clothes ando maybe a small tackle box. I'll definitely be by the shop when I get down there so I'll figure something out. Man I miss being close. Thanks for the help.

Anyone try one of those telescoping rods? I'm flying out to San Diego for work and was considering one of those as it would fit in my carry on bag.

I've tried them, they actually are making some pretty decent ones these days but the action seems a little different but I might have to do that. They are very convenient though. I can find the lighter travel rods no problem, the 15-20lb action get a lot pricier quick though. I like those bass pro rods, I may have to give them a shot.

I have flown from VA to Tampa several time and did not find bringing my seven foot rods a hassle . I use one of the extendable rod tubes that can be padlocked . Don 't use something that's taped closed . They will ask to check inside the tube at times .

I usually ship rods and carry reels with me. I made a PVC rod case and ship ups for 12 bucks or so,. Depends on rod case length.
Have it shipped to the hotel or to a friends place. I would rather do that after the airlines lost a Orvis fly rod and would not replace it.