Tips for traveling with fishing tackle and gear. Prepare early and get your gear there safely.
Traveling to new destinations is exciting, especially when fishing is involved. But getting there is sometimes a nerve-racking process, especially if you are traveling with fishing tackle and gear. Anglers invest in quality travel fishing tackle and, if it’s lost or damaged on the flight, the trip can start off with quite a headache. To ensure your travel process is smooth, here are some tips for traveling with fishing tackle so you can avoid excess delays with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
1. Small Fishing Lures
Small fishing lures can be checked or packed in a carry-on. Place protective covering over hooks to avoid damaging something else in your bag. Is always a good idea t wrap each lure to protect from scratches or damage.
2. One-Piece Rods
One-piece fishing rods must be checked. Place rods in a protective tube designed specifically for fishing rods, you can buy these tubes at your local fishing and gear shop. Make sure to confirm what length tube is allowed with the airline you are traveling.
3. Fishing Reels
Fishing reels can be checked or packed in a carry-on. The fishing line may be considered dangerous and might cause TSA to question you about your travel fishing tackle, if you prefer put your fishing line in a checked bag. Wrap each reel to protect from scratches or damage, and always check carry-on weight limits for your airline, especially if carrying offshore reels.
4. Small Hooks & Flies
Small inshore and freshwater fishing tackle like small hook and flies may be checked or packed in a carry-on. If you are taking large offshore hooks and flies these are best left in your checked bag. Make sure you pack these small hooks and flies in a hard case to avoid losing them among your other items.
5. Fishing Tools
Tools such as pliers, line-cutters, de-hookers, etc. under seven inches long may be checked or packed in a carry-on, if in doubt check with your airlines. If larger than seven inches, must pack in checked bag. Always wrap sharp ends to protect damage to your tools and other items in your bag.
While these tips are helpful, “The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint,” according to the TSA website. Flying abroad with travel fishing tackle may have more stringent restrictions so research the customs laws and regulations of the country to which you are traveling.
Learn more about the different types of fishing gear and equipment, fishing tips and more.
