I was wondering if anyone has taken their own fishing rods on a trip involving Airlines. I got back from doing a bit of fishing in Cabo, and have got the notion to take some of my own gear next time. My main concern is how difficult is taking rods on a plane, and are their any length problems that anyone has encounterd ? My Shimano Trevala is just under 6', but was wondering if there was much savings or advantage to a "Take Down" model which would put the travel length @ 4'7"...
I have an eagle claw in four pieces in an aluminum case that fit perfect in our suitcase. After seeing some things come out of a cargo hold on an airplane i would hesitate sending a good 6 ft. rod. WE have thrown out 3 suitcases after the last 3 trips and they do not compensate you either. Piker
The reels would be in a padded reel case in my suitcase, the rods Trevala 1pc, and a 100# class roller guide big game rod would be locked in a Bazooka Tube (total length of case 6'2"...
I've traveled with rods many times and if you put them in hard rod cases they'll be perfectly fine. I took a two piece rod once and it got snapped so never again, it's 4 or more piece rods for me. I just pack them under clothes and stuff.
I've seen many people travel with the big rod cases but you have to pay extra for luggage.
I put my handmade fly rods in a home made, not very good looking rod case and have never had any problems. I use my very nice aluminum case when I get home.
When I went down to mazatlan I had a 6'2" rod case, no problem at all. we were well inside our bag count so there was no extra cost. but in calgary I had to check it in at a different location.
A standard two piece flyrod has to be checked into the dreaded Oversized Luggage counter. Which in several of my close encounters with Air Canada over the years means kiss your rod goodbye for at least 48 hours.
I couldn't take the anxiety any longer so I bought two four-piece rods (a 5-weight TFO and a 8-weight St. Croix) plus a big wheelie duffel from Eddie Bauer with a bottom compartment that hold the rod tubes, waders, boots, vest, etc.
Problem solved. Well sorta, it's still Air Canada.
At least I don't have to experience that black hole called Oversized Luggage anymore.
A few years ago, I took my 4-piece fly-rod in it's tube as a carry on (maybe 2.5' in length). Departing Edm for the Caribbean, the inspector asked me to open it, and after inspection let me through. Traveled there and back with no further issues, but I'm not sure I would do that again, you might run into someone who wont let you walk on the plane with it.
My rod is a 4 piece, fits in its own bag with the reel and tackle, I then put it into my check in bag. Fished in Jamaica with it. did the same to bring it home.
I would suggest to get a 4 piece rod that fits in the luggage, alot of people dont care about the job they do anymore.
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A wise fellow once told me "Stop playing with it so much, or it might fall off!"
I purchased a 4 pc loomis 6 wt cause the airlines started charging me extra each time I would bring my rods. I just carry my 4 piece right on the plane now.
Anyone Take Rods on Airlines ?
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