Fishing will be much more exciting if you travel to a new place to cast your rod. But can you take fishing hooks on a plane?
You may find aviation regulations complicated and troublesome, but don’t worry! We will help clear your path. Let’s learn how to handle your traveling easily!
Can You Take Fishing Hooks On A Plane?
TSA (The Transportation Security Association) allows small hooks and flies to be carried on carry-on packages. However, they see larger ones as a risk.
The size sometimes depends on interpretation. The agent will screen your luggage to determine its weight and load. Often, eight or smaller is acceptable for carry-ons.
Small hooks
As aforementioned, you can pack your fishing hooks with you and put them in your carry-on luggage, as long as they are small. But what does “small” mean?
Traveling anglers typically claim that sizes eight or smaller are acceptable by TSA regulations.
Nevertheless, there are still cases where even size 4 gets stuck. So, in the end, luck plays a major role.
Large hooks
It is advisable to pack your hooks in your checked luggage even when you can tell the hooks are big or small. After your agent concludes that the hook is a dangerous weapon, you can’t get it back.
Aside from the size, the shape also matters in this case. TSE states that travelers must pack sharp objects in checked luggage.
Experienced traveling anglers suggest keeping flies and hooks in a container, ideally the one you purchased your gear in. The container can secure your equipment safely and helps you pass the TSA official check.
Can You Take Other Fishing Gear On A Plane?
A hook is not the only thing you need to pack for your fishing trip. TSA also enacted rules on other pieces of fishing gear.
Rod
You can take your fishing rod on a plane. However, ensure it doesn’t exceed the weight and size restrictions.
The small and lightweight rod is acceptable on board. If it can’t fit into your overhead compartment, you can keep it next to you when in motion. Then, you won’t worry about the damage.
It’s necessary to put your rod in a case or tube. Yet, the weight and size restrictions apply to the case too.
If you find the rules of carry-ons confusing, go for the checked bags. You only need to be aware that some flights might allow the rod as specialty luggage, which may or may not get its own set of size and weight limits.
If you are afraid that the rod size will be incorrect or bothersome, consider buying a foldable fishing rod. TSA accepts this rod as travel equipment, and you can carry it on board.
Reel
You can bring your reels on a plane. As one of the most valuable parts of fishing equipment, you should keep it in your carry-on luggage.
Some anglers put the reel in their checked bag, but you must wrap it carefully to avoid damage.
It would be ideal if you unspooled the reel, as the agent might have problems with it being spooled and having the line tied.
Regardless of its value, you should not hold it in your hands or put it in your pockets. It must fit inside of your carry-on suitcase.
Pole
The TSA does permit passengers to have a pole in their carry-on baggage. The pole must fit the overhead compartment without interfering with other people’s space.
Although most people prefer to carry their fishing poles on board, they can fit comfortably in checked luggage. Remember to check with the information that the TSA has issued you the green light if you decide to pack it in your checked bag.
Besides, make sure the case you are using to transport the pole and rod complies with the restrictions on carry-on baggage dimensions.
Lure
According to the TSA, fishing lures are dangerous and require proper handling. Remember to wrap them safely if you want to take them on board.
You can put the lure in your checked or carry-on bags as long as they are small. If they are big, the safety agent won’t allow for carry-ons.
You must keep even the tiniest security risk in checked bags rather than carry-ons. If you want to, ask about the airline’s policy and your chosen airline.
Magnet
Despite being listed in the international hazardous goods regulation, fishing magnets are still low-powered enough to be carried on a plane.
You can include them in your carry-on and checked luggage.
Do Airlines Charge Fee On Your Fishing Gear?
Some airlines define fishing equipment as sports gear and charge passengers less money or perhaps nothing to examine their gear; however, some airlines charge between $25 and $100 for the object.
The following airlines don’t charge for your hefty equipment as long as they don’t exceed the acceptable weight:
- American Airlines
- Allegiant Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Alaska Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Jetblue Airlines
- United Airlines
A few airlines charge an extra fee for your fishing gear, depending on its size.
For these companies, the standard rule is that the length should not exceed 62 inches to avoid paying a fee.
Half the problem is choosing the appropriate airline. The second half is packing intelligently to avoid unpleasant surprises, added costs, and inconveniences when traveling.
If you are not ready for the extra costs, your trip could end up being pricey. Hence, research these added expenses before flying and be aware of the implications of carrying fishing gear.
Tips For Flying With Your Fishing Gear
Your flight will be easier if you follow some powerful tips below.
Hire a service
Hiring a guide agency to arrange everything is one of the most straightforward solutions. The agency provides you with the right rod, line, flies, and reel.
Additionally, it’s likely to be some really high-quality equipment, perhaps even superior to what you already have.
Send your equipment to the destination first.
Another choice is to ship your equipment to the destination. If something goes wrong, you should include a rod tube, a few reels, and some flies in your carry-on luggage. There is less equipment to care about with this approach.
Pack items that you can stand to lose
Checked luggage just vanishing is a terrible scenario that occurs far too often. Sometimes the lost luggage never comes back, and other times it just wholly misses your flight and doesn’t find you for a week.
Furthermore, even if carrying expensive items on board makes them safer, there is a chance that a TSA inspector will disapprove and keep your belongings.
Most airlines will let you send the stuff back home if you feel stuck. However, there are no assurances. The TSA might take your things away forever in a very intense encounter.
Conclusion
You can fly with most of your fishing gear. Yet, while small objects are suitable for carry-on luggage, you must pack the bigger ones in your checked bag.
The regulations vary from airline to airline. It would be best to check yours beforehand and follow the rules to pack your stuff.
We hope you will have a nice trip!