Travelling with fishing gear
If you are the type for whom travelling is a way of life AND you are also into fishing, then you must have faced a couple of problems already. You are always on the go, cannot stay put, but not really willing to give up on your hobby? That’s OK. You shouldn’t.
Travelling with your fishing gear may seem like a pain, but if you follow some simple guidelines, you should be fine.
When flying, it’s best to check with your specific airline as well as TSA beforehand. Rules change so make sure you don’t skip this. If you are travel internationally, it gets even more complicated, especially with carrying on fishing rods.
One-piece rods need to be checked in, and you must have an adequate tube to protect them. When you check in an oversized rod tube, expect fees from $25 to $100 depending on how many bags you check in. Also, make sure to check with your airline about the length of the tube allowed.
As for travel rods, you might be able to carry them on, especially when traveling within the US. The worst-case scenario is full overhead-storage bins. If so, you will be forced to gate check your rods, so be prepared with a rugged container. However, if you have your wor.my with you, that can also go in your handbag or backpack.
Reels you shouldn’t have a problem with. Lines are tricky, as the rules don't specifically provide for them. The TSA agent on the ground will have to decide if the line is dangerous. The consensus among travelling anglers is that you are unlikely to have a problem at domestic airports. However, when boarding an international flight, be prepared to strip off the line or check reels if the security agents object. Finally, TSA expressly allows you to carry on small and freshwater hooks, but "large deep-sea fishing hooks" are not allowed.
Hitting the road is way easier. Whether it is by coach or by car, you are most likely to find space for your gear. You may have to compromise regarding the quantity depending on the space available generally or the amount of “cargo” your partner/companion is willing to put up with.
On some rare occasions, there will be no room left for your gear. Say you have small kids, and even with a sizeable SUV, all the equipment, toys and other baby- and kids’ stuff may take up most of the space. No problem. Your wor.my won’t complain if it has to travel in the glove compartment – where it will comfortable fit in.
For lighter, shorter trips – taken on motorbikes or bikes – there’s no reason you shouldn’t have your gear with you either. Even the CAST PACK or the SPIN PACK will smooth into any backpack you’d take on such a trip. The NANO PACK will even fit in your pocket!
All in all, you’d typically be facing either of the following two options: you will either rent your gear, accepting that it may not be available, may be pricier than you expect or it is some gear that takes some time and practice getting used to. Or, more ideally, you will travel with your own trusted gear. One that you know is unbreakable, fun and easy to carry and use. Your wor.my.
Travelling with your fishing gear may seem like a pain, but if you follow some simple guidelines, you should be fine.
When flying, it’s best to check with your specific airline as well as TSA beforehand. Rules change so make sure you don’t skip this. If you are travel internationally, it gets even more complicated, especially with carrying on fishing rods.
One-piece rods need to be checked in, and you must have an adequate tube to protect them. When you check in an oversized rod tube, expect fees from $25 to $100 depending on how many bags you check in. Also, make sure to check with your airline about the length of the tube allowed.
As for travel rods, you might be able to carry them on, especially when traveling within the US. The worst-case scenario is full overhead-storage bins. If so, you will be forced to gate check your rods, so be prepared with a rugged container. However, if you have your wor.my with you, that can also go in your handbag or backpack.
Reels you shouldn’t have a problem with. Lines are tricky, as the rules don't specifically provide for them. The TSA agent on the ground will have to decide if the line is dangerous. The consensus among travelling anglers is that you are unlikely to have a problem at domestic airports. However, when boarding an international flight, be prepared to strip off the line or check reels if the security agents object. Finally, TSA expressly allows you to carry on small and freshwater hooks, but "large deep-sea fishing hooks" are not allowed.
Hitting the road is way easier. Whether it is by coach or by car, you are most likely to find space for your gear. You may have to compromise regarding the quantity depending on the space available generally or the amount of “cargo” your partner/companion is willing to put up with.
On some rare occasions, there will be no room left for your gear. Say you have small kids, and even with a sizeable SUV, all the equipment, toys and other baby- and kids’ stuff may take up most of the space. No problem. Your wor.my won’t complain if it has to travel in the glove compartment – where it will comfortable fit in.
For lighter, shorter trips – taken on motorbikes or bikes – there’s no reason you shouldn’t have your gear with you either. Even the CAST PACK or the SPIN PACK will smooth into any backpack you’d take on such a trip. The NANO PACK will even fit in your pocket!
All in all, you’d typically be facing either of the following two options: you will either rent your gear, accepting that it may not be available, may be pricier than you expect or it is some gear that takes some time and practice getting used to. Or, more ideally, you will travel with your own trusted gear. One that you know is unbreakable, fun and easy to carry and use. Your wor.my.