We have recently returned from the Northern Calif. FFF Conclave, and spoke with hundreds of fly fishers, many of which have just booked flights to various destinations around the globe. The one common comment from these flying fisher folks was that the need for the muti-piece travel rod was apparently a mute issue for boarding requirements, as they were not allowed to bring any carry-on rods........ regardless of length. All rod tubes were now to be pre-inspected, and placed with baggage. It appears that many if not all of the major airlines will require this.
I was wondering if any of you have have had first hand experiance, or firm knowledge of this new development, and if it is indeed an airline industry wide ruleing?
Under the present circumstances, I and all of the fishers we spoke to feel that this would be a just and necessary requirement.
As a custom builder it also becomes a very real issue as to how a rod can best be designed to meet the requirements of the traveling client. Multi-piece rods do have many advantages beyond allowing "carry-on" abilities. But on the other hand, from a functional design stand point, there are often definite advantages to the one, or two piece rods.......... And now, these conventional rods may be re-entering the realm of the traveling angler.

Any thoughts or info on this ? Bob Meiser

A 29" rod (9 4-piece) placed from corner to corner will fit inside most suitcases. I have done mine that way for years. The problem with checking a rod tube is not so much in possible damage, but theft. The people handling them know what is inside and what some of them are worth.

William, Air travel security systems have dramatically changed because of the World Trade Towers incident, and this is what I am adressing. Recent flyers have told me that there has been no carry-on what-so-ever, and wondered if anyone else has had this experiance. B. Meiser

Bob I just did an article for our local newsletter about the new travel restrictions and how they applied to carry on luggage,in my case it was in regards to aids used by the deaf and or hard of hearing,At this point in time the restrictions are placed both by the airports involved and individual airlines there is a growing trend among them and the FAA that carry on luggage will be confined to items of medical necessity, our newspaper had headlines stating that it is being proposed that no carry on luggage will be allowed,everything with the exception of authorized items{medical} will need to be checked in the future.

Bob I understand what you meant. But if you put your rod in your suitcase and then check it, it isn't as likely to get stolen as if you just check your rod tube. From what I understand, fly rod theft is pretty common on airlines.

William, I totally agree with your technique as I have done the very same thing many times, and with, for example, a 9 ft.- 4 piece rod, it is the way to go. But, most of the rods I build for clients are at minimum 11 ft. with many in the 13 to 14 ft. range. Many of these longer rods are 3 piece, some 4. This would often mean that even in multi piece, they would exceed airline carry-on criteria. In the past, upon request, most airlines woud allow these rods to be placed in the attendants storage, and then be picked up while departing the plane. This eliminated the hassel of putting these longer rods in baggage.
I guess it is all going to be a wait- and -see kind of thing. And, like John said, it will be best to contact the airline to get the latest scoop on this, as things will probably be changing on a daily basis concerning boarding procedures.
When I think about it, this is all small potatoes when you consider the present state of our country, but like many of us discussed at the conclave ; fishing trips, fly tying, rod building, and the like can be good medicine in times like this !
Bob Meiser

I had an experience several years ago fliny into memphis. I had three rods packed into a plastic case about 48" long. while it made it to where it was supposed to go, there was a nice big crease in the case, looked like it got stuck somewhere and forced through, or had something really heavy piled on it. Luckily the rods were not damaged, but the case was ruined. it wasn't a wimpy case either, I couldn't have bent it like that by standing on it!

Guys, I think the restriction on the 4-5 piece travel rods will be around for awhile. The security is so tight now. The stuff they don't want us to bring on board is ridiculous.

I know someone who wasn't allowed to bring onboard a 8lb 2piece St.Croix casting rod. It didn't get on the plane in time either. And when he did get it. When it was loaded up a little bit, it fractured at the ferrule.

I think its time we've to rethink our packing. I for want will be packing my multipiece rod in a suitcase.

Sure will be making more 3 or 4 piece baitcasters or trolling rods. Using Ralph's article in the last issue of Rodmaker!

In response to Chris, some manufacturers seem to be taking serioulsy an increasing demand for 3 piece spinning rods. St. Croix has come out with several new models in the past year and are very nice. Might want to check it out. It could be we'll see more and more as this market demand will call for.

In Europe it's fairly commonplace that telescopic rods are part of an angler's luggage and several companies like DAM over there have been producing quality tele rods for years. We've attempted to offer a limitied number of these in Canada with very little acceptance and as a rodbuilder myself don't particularly care for them either. Don't know that this trend could develop seriously here as we just have better reasponse to be using multi-piece or one piece blanks and rods that are expertly designed in the U.S.A. and give the expected performance.

Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel