Fishing in the local lake or river is fun, but so is wetting the line at an exotic fishing destination. If you’re flying for the next fishing trip, you’re probably wondering whether you can carry all your favorite fishing gear.
So, can you take fishing hooks on a plane? TSA allows small fishing tackle such as flies and small fishing hooks into a carry-on bag. Sharp fishing tackle like large fishing hooks is considered dangerous. Lage fish hooks should be securely wrapped, sheathed, and packed in checked bags. To be on the safe side, check all sharp items.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about traveling with fishing gear. Keep reading to learn how to pack fishing gear securely and what fishing equipment can and cannot be brought on a plane.
What Other Fishing Gear Can You Bring on a Plane?
The US Transportation Security Administration allows various fishing gear, such as fishing rods, reels, small fish hooks, and small fishing lures, in a plane. However, the TSA officer has the final say on what goes on the plane and what doesn’t.
According to TSA, fishing rods, reels, and small fishing lures should be allowed on a plane as carry-on or checked luggage. As long as everything is securely wrapped and adequately stored, you shouldn’t experience any problems traveling with your fishing gear.
Keep in mind that the airline carrier may not agree to let you carry some of your fishing gear if it doesn’t meet the set size requirements. To avoid the worst-case scenario, follow the TSA’s traveling guidelines and also reach out to the airline carrier to see whether or not your fishing gear will be allowed on the plane.
Although TSA permits fishing rods in carry-on and checked baggage, rods are typically large and inconveniently long. Packing a fishing rod in a way to meet the airline carrier’s specific size regulations is often the biggest challenge for traveling anglers.
Don’t forget that carry-on size limitations vary slightly from one airline to another. To find specific details about the carry-on baggage’s size, weight, and width requirements, reach out to various airlines before your trip.
Fishing Gear that You Can’t Bring on a Plane
Use your better judgment when traveling with fishing gear. Additional fishing equipment like knives, metal rod holders, liquid fly float-ant, scissors, hook sharpeners, and forceps aren’t allowed on a plane. If you’re planning to take any of these items, check them in.
Keep in mind that scissors, knives, and any other sharp objects can be confiscated if not properly wrapped and packed to prevent damage to baggage.
If you’re carrying a lot of fishing equipment, arrive at the airport at least an hour earlier than you usually would, to have extra time if security officers make you check in anything.
Whatever happens, don’t be rude, and don’t get into arguments with security staff. Remember, they have the right to ban you from the flight, so be on your best behavior.
How to Carefully and Safely Pack Your Fishing Gear
Whether you’re planning a fishing trip within the country or at an international destination, you’ll probably want to bring as much fishing gear as possible. Another important aspect of traveling with fishing gear is to pack everything nicely, so it arrives in one piece at your destination.
Fishing Rods
Of all fishing equipment, fishing rods are the most complicated to pack and transport safely. Another thing to keep in mind is that your rods must be adequately packed so the TSA officers don’t deem them dangerous.
Invest in a hard-shell rod case that can carry two or three fishing rods at one time. This will make traveling with fishing gear a lot easier.
Look for fishing rod cases that support a padlock or drill two holes into the soft case so you can lock the zipper in place. This will prevent your rods from being stolen before you have the chance to wet the line at a new destination.
Fishing Reels
As far as TSA is concerned, fishing reels don’t have any dangerous parts, and you shouldn’t experience any security problems regarding your reels. Pack the reels in the carry-on if you have enough free space to prevent potential damage or loss.
Use the original case to pack the fishing reels and add socks or small towels as padding. If you don’t have the original packaging, buy a travel reel case for added protection.
Trolling reels rarely fit into carry-on luggage, so make sure to cushion them well and pack them securely in the checked baggage.
Some airline carriers require the fishing line to be removed from the reel before the reel is brought on a plane as carry-on luggage.
Lures & Flies
According to TSA, you may bring expensive lures and fragile tackle that doesn’t pose a security threat, like small flies, in your carry-on bag. However, carrying an entire box of fishing tackle and sharp hooks into the plane can cause trouble with airport security.
If you don’t necessarily need to carry hooks and lures with you on the plane, wrap them securely and pack them in a tackle box and check them in with the rest of your luggage.
Conclusion
Fishing hooks and other fishing equipment like rods, reels, and small fishing lures are allowed on the plane in carry-on luggage. Other fishing gear like knives, forceps, large hooks, and in some cases, the fishing line must be securely packed and checked in.
Traveling with fishing gear may be a hassle, but it’s doable if you do everything right. Invest in a hard-shell rod case and wrap and pad fishing reels and lures to ensure that your fishing equipment arrives undamaged at your fishing destination.