Can you take fishing hooks and other fishing gear on a plane? The short answer is yes, but there are explicit rules for what and how you can carry your fishing tackle. The transportation security administration has created a list of items that are permitted in carry-on luggage and checked luggage. Among these items, special rules apply to fishing rods, fishing lures, and reels.
Even though the TSA has created a list of rules, the final decision about each item depends on the airline carriers and the inspecting agent. If the inspecting agent feels that an item might be considered dangerous or pose a security threat, the item will not be permitted on the plane.
Can You Take Fishing Equipment on a Plane?
Fishing equipment includes all rods, reels, lines, hooks, and lures that are used by anglers. If you examine the rules developed by the transportation security association, you will find a section devoted to sports equipment. Fishing gear is classified into this category.
For the most part, fishing equipment is allowed on domestic and international flights, as long as the airline carriers allow it. To avoid having your fishing gear confiscated, check with your airline for rules. Some items, like rods, small flies, and expensive reels or fragile tackle are allowed in your carry on luggage, as long as they do not violate size limitations.
Some items are considered dangerous and must be securely wrapped and packed in your checked luggage. These items include large fish hooks, fishing pliers, and braided fishing line. Even if you put these things in your checked bags, you should be forthcoming with the agent and declare these objects. It is better to tell the agent what is in your bag than to have an alarm sound and an inspector find sharp fishing tackle.
TSA size limits
In general, TSA sets limits on size and weight of objects carried onto a plane. Fishing rods can be included in your carry-on baggage, as long as they do not exceed the size limitations of 22 x 14 x 9 inches and do not weigh more than 40 pounds. Most fly rods, travel rods and fishing poles break down to a small size suitable for transport on the plane. A rod tube will protect your fishing rods. Many models are available through retailers. PVC type rod tubes are less likely to be targeted by TSA agents than metal rod holders.
When shopping for fishing gear for your next fishing trip or out-of-state fishing charter, look for travel rods that condense in size or break down into several smaller pieces.
General principles on Checked vs Carry On Luggage
The general rules for airline travel limit carry on bags by size and weight. Carry on bags will be inspected by a trained TSA agent. Generally speaking, your carry on bag cannot contain anything that might pose a security threat, ie. hooks, tools, fishing line, and liquid fly floatant. If you are lucky enough to have an inspector who enjoys fishing, you might get away with putting more fishing equipment in your carry on bag. If, however, you get an inspector who takes their job very seriously or is overzealous, your items might be confiscated. In that case, the items are seized and you may or may not be able to claim them in the future.
If you have any doubts about any typing of fishing tools being permitted on the plane, go ahead and put those things in your checked luggage. This included your tackle box, lines, hooks. One recommendation TSA makes is to place expensive reels and high value objects in your carry on bag. Even if this is the recommendation, the items must must follow the guidelines for creating a safety risk.
Carry on items are limited to one per person. The size should not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Items must be able to fit in the overhead compartment if the flight attendant asks you to do so.
The primary difference between carry on and checked luggage relates to accessibility. All checked baggage is stored in the underbelly of the plane, out of reach of passengers and crew. Checked luggage can measure up to 27 x 21 x 14 inches. Most airlines charge per piece of checked luggage. If you check a tackle bag, it counts as a single piece of luggage. The same is true of rod tubes. Keep this in mind when booking a flight. to your next fishing trip. Do your own research to see what the individual airline allows. If you do check your tackle box or rod tube, be sure it has a lock on it. You should not pack expensive reels or other high-value objects in checked baggage.
Can you take fishing lures on a plane?
Fishing lures are defined as an artificial bait with a weighted body and a hook attached. This can include diving baits, top water baits, jigs, and flies. The body of these lures would not present a problem when boarding a flight. The hook, however, can cause a problem.
Can you take fishing lures in carry-on luggage?
Small fishing lures, fragile tackle, and small flies are permitted in carry on luggage, but the term small is very broad. What one TSA agent might think is small fishing lures might be considered a security threat. Small flies with small hooks can usually make it through a checkpoint, but why take the chance on having your carry on items confiscated? Just put these things in your checked baggage.
Can you take fishing lures in checked luggage?
Yes, fishing lures can be put in check in luggage. Hook points should be sheathed, securely wrapped and packed to prevent harm to anybody who might find reason to inspect your checked bag.
Can you take a fishing rod on a plane?
Yes, a fishing rod is allowed on a plan. Securely pack your fishing rods or fly rods in a PVC pipe in a tube fishing rod carrier.
Can you take fishing rods in carry-on luggage?
Yes, if your fishing rod fits in the overhead compartments, you can carry it on the plane. The fishing reels should be removed and there can be no line or hooks attached to the fishing rod.
Can you take fishing rods in checked luggage?
Yes, fishing rods are permitted in checked luggage. Your fishing rods in the rod tube cannot exceed the maximum length for checked baggage, which is 114 inches. If you have an extremely long fly fishing rod it will need to break down into two rods or more. All unusually sized checked bags are subject to being refused if there is a space issue on the plane.
Can you take a fishing rod case on a plane?
Can you take a fishing rod case in carry-on luggage?
Yes, you can bring a small fishing rod case as a carry on as long as it is less than 22 inches long and weighs no more than 40 pounds.
Can you take a fishing rod case in checked luggage?
Yes, if you plan to travel with fishing gear, you should invest in a good rod case. Tube type rod cases are more protective and durable. Some even include space for a fishing reel. Keep in mind that checked baggage gets handled roughly. You do not want to put expensive reels or fragile rods in checked luggage without proper protection.
Can you take a fishing pole on a plane?
Yes, you can carry a pole on the plane. It should be in an easy to inspect case and cannot be longer than 22 inches when broken down into its pieces.
Can you take the fishing pole in carry-on luggage?
Yes, fishing poles can be carried on the plane. To protect the rod, place it in a quality case that is easily opened for inspection. It should be less than 22 inches long and fit inside the overhead storage bin.
Can you take the fishing pole in checked luggage?
Yes, you can check fishing gear, including fishing poles. Be sure it is properly protected in a case.
Can you take fishing reels on a plane?
Most anglers have some nice reels or fragile tackle that they want to protect from damage or theft. You can carry a fishing reel on the plane, but you must remove all the line first. The reel can be in carry on or checked bags.
Can you take fishing reels in carry-on luggage?
If you plan to put your reel in your carry on bag, remove all the line first and wrap the reel in a protective layer. Declare to the inspecting agent that you have a fishing reel in your carry on items. Oversized reels, like saltwater trolling reels may not be permitted due to weight and the possibility that it could be dangerous as a weapon.
Can you take fishing reels in checked luggage?
Yes, fishing reels can be placed in your checked bag. This might be the best location for your precious gear. In a check in bag, you can wrap your reels to protect them from damage. If theft is a concern, use a hard-sided bag with a lock.
Can you take fishing lines on a plane?
FIshing line can be placed in checked luggage. Fishing line is not allowed in carry ons.
Can you take the fishing line in carry-on luggage?
You may take fishing line in carry ons, but the amount and type of line is really up for debate between you and the agent. There is not really a clear cut ruling on this, other than the written rule that you may NOT bring braided line on the plane.
Can you take the fishing line in checked luggage?
Fishing line is permitted in checked luggage, although some people report having braided line confiscated on certain flights. Again, if you are concerned, pack it so it is easily accessible and declare it when you check the bag.
Can you take fishing gear on a plane?
Certain items such as fly fishing snips, tackle bags, and measuring devices are allowed on the plane, but there are very specific rules including size limitations for pliers and snips.
Can you take fishing gear in your carry-on luggage?
Small fly fishing hooks, your fishing hat or vest, measuring device, and needle nosed pliers can be put in your carry on bag. The determination about the size of fishing hook allowed is up to the inspecting agent. Some anglers have been able to bring up to number 4 hooks on the plane. Others have had all but their smallest flies confiscated. Pliers and snips cannot have an attached knife blade, and the total length of the tool must be under 7 inches. These size limitations are for the protection of all passengers, and are not meant to inconvenience you.
Can you take fishing gear in checked luggage?
Yes, fishing gear is permitted in your checked bags. Any sharp object such as line snips should be properly sheathed to protect inspectors from harm. Size limitations still apply and the items should be no longer than 7 inches total length. Generally speaking, filet knives are NOT permitted in carry on and checked luggage.
Can you take fishing hooks on a plane?
The answer is yes and no. Fishing gear, including hooks, is permitted on the plane, but there are numerous size limitations that are loosely interpreted. Tiny flies in fly boxes are permitted. Lures are permitted in your carry on bag, as long as the agent feels they are small enough. Loose hooks will probably be confiscated, although some anglers have been able to carry size 4 and smaller hooks onto the plane.
Can you take fishing hooks in carry-on luggage?
Yes, if the agent allows it. According to the TSA rules, small hooks are allowed. The determination of what is small enough, however, is left up to the inspecting agent. If you decide to carry hooks in your bag, be sure to inform the agent they are there and don’t argue if they decide you can’t bring them.
Can you take fishing hooks in checked luggage?
Yes, you can place them in your checked bag with no problem.
Can you take a fishing magnet on a plane?
Yes, TSA has declared low powered magnets safe to carry on the plane.
Can you take a fishing magnet in carry-on luggage?
Yes, you can carry a low powered fishing magnet in your bag. It should be reasonably sized. While TSA does not have a specific rule in place regarding size and weight, the TSA agent may determine that the magnet creates a potentially harmful situation.
Can you take a fishing magnet in checked luggage?
Yes, low-powered magnets are permitted in checked bags.
Can you take a fishing knife on a plane?
Line snips or a very small multitool might make it through a checkpoint or be permitted in carry on and checked bags, but knives are NOT permitted on planes.
Can you take a fishing knife in carry-on luggage?
No, you may not carry a fishing knife in carry on luggage.
Can you take a fishing knife in checked luggage?
This rule is debatable, but filet knives are not permitted, even in checked luggage. Some airlines allow multitools with a blade in checked luggage.
Can you take Fly-fishing Gear on a Plane
Yes, fly-fishing gear is allowed in carry on and checked luggage. The same rules about size limitations apply.
Can you take fly fishing gear in carry-on luggage
Yes, be sure your fly fishing rod fits into a tube carrier less than 22 inches long for carry on. Reels should be stripped of leader, line, and tippet. Small fly fishing lures can be carried in a fly box.
Can you take fly fishing gear in checked luggage
You can place fly fishing gear in your checked bags. Be sure to use a high-quality protective rod case designed specifically for fly fishing gear. Your fishing rod should break down into two or more pieces if it is over 114″ long. Other fishing tools like line snips, pliers, and magnifiers can also be put in checked bags.
How do you travel with fishing gear?
To avoid having your fishing gear confiscated, use some common sense. Large hooks, oversized reels, tight lines, and sharp tools can all be used as potential weapons. Avoid the hassle and put these things in your checked bags. Limit your carry on fishing gear to a fishing rod that fits into an overhead bin, small lures and flies, and reels with lines removed. Even in checked bags, fishing rods should be stripped of tight lines. Reels or fragile tackle should be wrapped and protected from damage, and hooks and lures should be capped or wrapped to protect anybody opening your bag from being harmed. Loose fishing rods on planes are allowed, but be sure your fishing rod fits in the compartment. Travel with fishing rods that can break down into smaller pieces and use a zip tie to secure those pieces so they don’t get separated.
What Airlines allow fishing equipment on a plane?
Most major carriers allow fishing gear on the plane. If you are unsure about the rules, contact the airline directly.
Are the rules different for international and domestic flights
While individual airline carriers might have specific rules, the TSA regulations for international and domestic flights are the same. Before you head off for your fishing charter or out-of-state trip, contact all the airlines on which you will travel. Double-check the specific regulations for each carrier.
