I have been traveling around the world with my fishing gear for the last 15 years. I will list below a few but important tips to avoid breakage and scratches to your gear while traveling by plane.
Having our luggage get thrown around and squeezed under other heavy bags means that we have to expect hits to corners and sides of the luggage.
– Travel rods storage
Have a rod tube that is sturdy and not too heavy.
Cut it the size of your luggage (corner to corner), Standard length is approx 80cm.
I keep the bottom side (luggage wheels side) only padded with bubble wrap and lid. If one of those sides hit hard, the other side has a bit of movement to absorb the shock… So far it has worked well.
Rods placement inside the tube: I can fit up to 3 travel rods in mine, each accurately placed in thin rod socks to avoid scratches. Place the rod pieces male/female so 1) the rod tip lays next to the rod butt, 2) the guides are all on one side, 3) strap the single rod pieces together first then strap the 3 rods altogether again.
This way you will maximize the protection and minimize the volume.
If you need to fit another rod that does not fit in the tube, make sure you strap it both sides to the tube, externally. If you can fit the straps in between the guides, you will assure extra sturdiness.
and strap pieces
– Reels storage
We cannot bring reel spools in carry on luggage (unless have no line) but we can have the reel bodies.
Eggbeater spools and overhead reels will then go in my cabin luggage, reel bodies in my carry on luggage.
Depending on space available, I use reel covers to place both spools and reel bodies. If you don’t have reel covers, use old face towels, which I also use to grab fish while fishing. Stubby holders make great spool protectors too!
– Carry on Luggage
Rules for what you can have inside your carry on depend on the airline companies. I dont take risks and always take the following precautions:
No hooks, sinkers, jigheads, braid, line, rope, sharp objects, pliers inside my carry on luggage.
Shavers and reel bodies are ok.
My carry on will generally also have all the lures with no hooks (keep split rings on)
– phone charger and cables,
– wind/waterproof jacket, warm jacket if needed,
– my essential toiletries (with ziplock bag for liquids), it is nice to have toothbrush, parfum and deodorant during long trips.
– house/car keys and wallet (It is more common losing your cabin luggage than you carry on)
If I still have space and weight allowance, I will fill it up with clothes that may not fit inside the cabin luggage.
– Cabin luggage
Everything that cannot fit inside the carry on will go in the cabin luggage.
Placement and weight management is the important thing here.
A fish scale is always handy for your fishing but also to weight your luggage on the fly.
My cabin luggage will have:
– Clothes and shoes placed at luggage wheels side: Shoes are a great storage to optimize spacing, stuff them with anything loose or to be protected,
– Shaver and any other chargers (except phone charger),
– All voluminous or heavy tackle, tackle bags/trays, tools, sinkers, sharp objects and hooks,
– Insect repellent, sun protection, extra pair of sunnies or prescription glasses
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