So, I am going down to Florida on April 13th, and I was wondering if anyone of you guys know the restrictions of bringing rods (5' - 7') on the plane down from NYC.
I don't know the details on the flight and anything and I'm not sure it matters, but by what means do all of you get your rods to where you are going. The closest thing I have done to this would probably be bringing a 2 piece 7' spinning rod, but thats not complicated. Any answers are appreciated.

Thanks,

Gabe

Don't even try, the fees are nasty. Just ship them to your destination in advance, ship them back at the end of the trip. FedEx Ground is my personal preference and it is MUCH cheaper than the airline surcharges.

Gabe,
Have traveled with my bros. to Northern Canada many times. We all have 7' casting and spinning rods one pc. We insure our rods and check with baggage in quality rod case also have check in agent mark fragile......never hade an issue... dont know fees for checked baggage

Sounds pricey with all the stuff going on in the flying industry. Thanks though I'll check it out.

I just flew to Mexico for a week. Took six 7' rods. Cost $27 each way because I checked two bags. On our flight the first bag was free. Not all are that way.

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AD

Just returned from Panama with a rod tube, about 6'. No extra charge, it would have been the standard fee, but the airline doesn't charge for luggage, (2 per person). I wrap my rods in a fleece blanket in the rod tube. Go to a craft store and but 3 yards of a fleece fabric and get a full wrap around each rod, I alternate the dorection of the rods so I have at least on rod butt on each end. Fold the excess over the end as extra padding and slide the whole into the tube. Never had a broken rod, yet, LOL. One airline did manage to break the rod tube though, but the rods were fine. I have also been adding extra tackle in the tube as wel since you will never get to weight with rods.

Good luck

So i guess they can count the tube as a bag, I'm flying with 4 ppl so I guess I'll be fine. I'm going to call up in advance first.

Call the airline and ask their policy. You might be able to carry them on and put them in a locker up front. Kind of like a coat closet. Or you can ship. That is what I have done. Make sure the tube is sturdy and well sealed. My pvc tube with taped-on caps got beat up and the caps cracked, but the rods were fine. I used USPS. Much cheaper and the post office held the tube and let me come pick it up rather than trying to deliver it to the hotel.

If it were me, I'd build a couple of multi-piece back-up rods and hand carry them, in addition to shipping or checking my "real" rods.

George Forster
Fort Collins, CO

I thought about that George, but a heavy wreck fishing rod for Amberjacks, and Tuna, and Sharkz and whatnot, in my opinion, should not be multiple piece. Especially when it Is 6' or so.

Gabe,
if you ever change your mind about building a travel rod, think about getting ones that will fit inside a flat gun case. Most airlines, especially out of the country, will let you carry that on board.
Being flat it goes into the overhead bin and you can pack stuff onto it.
On small planes going back country it fits between your legs and doubles as a tray to eat off of.
Good luck getting travel blanks though! Good ones are like chicken teeth.

As a side note, I keep my reels in my carry-on bag. I get some funny looks, but I'm not taking the chance of losing a reel.

OK - So it's probably too late for this but. How about a detachable butt section? Several manufacturers make them (AFTCO, Stuart at least) Would cut your overall length and still maintain a one-piece rod blank

I thought about that too but....A friend of mine had that on one of his 250' of water wreck rods (was split at the reel seat) and he hooked a 50lb amberjack. He was pulling and pulling and he realized the rod wasn't bending when he pulled. Someone pointed out to him that his rod was bending by the reel seat. He ended up pointing the rod at the water and reeling. 50 minutes later it got to the surface and came off the hook. Lol. He said it was the last time he used one of those for big fish. Maybe for a light SW rod but that's about it for me. Thanks though.

Gabe......
Maybe you misunderstood? Detachable butt fishing rods are used all the time for huge fish. Some folks use different butt sections (one bent / one straight) so they can fish either chair or conventional trolling. I don't understand rod not bending or "bending at the reel seat". These are solid aluminum butt sections = the rod connects to the butt section with a metal ferrule that is screwed onto the butt - simply not possible for the rod to not bend - unless he never screwed it in - in which case when he pointed it down the rod (minus butt) would have gone in the drink.