Looking to build a couple of 7 ft., multi piece, travel rods to be used as inshore, back country spin rods in the Keys. I would like to be able to pack the rods in my checked luggage after putting them into separate aluminum tubes or wrap them in multiple layers of bubble wrap. I've seen several 3 piece rods that are 30 inches long when broken down. Not sure this is short enough to fit into a suitcase that will be checked. I'm thinking they need to be 4 piece rods, but I'm not seeing anything in the category I'm looking for. I have no desire to make the multi piece rods from two, or more single piece rods by cutting and making the ferrels. Would appreciate any suggestions or ideas. Thanks



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/03/2016 10:22PM by Eric Egee.

CTS rod blanks to the left.

Don't know what your line rating/lure rating requirements are, but Batson has some 3 and 4 pc travel blanks.
[www.rainshadowrodblanks.com]

I know St Croix used to make a 3 or 4 pc m-light popping spinner, but can't find the blank

Heck, Mudhole has a pretty good selection, too...
[www.mudhole.com]

Eric,
I have been very fortunate that I get to fish occasionally with my job all of which involves airplane travel. I have the MHX 842 and 843 spin rods that are a 3 pc spin, 7’0”. The 842 covers a wide variety of fishing situations including inshore. 843 is heavier but has a lot of uses. 842 is a GREAT travel rod, saltwater or fresh but really shines in the flats. You might want to consider your method of carrying these 3 pc rods also. I looked for a long time to find a travel case that will protect my 3 pc spin and fly rods and also allow me to carry custom grip demos and mock ups that I use during the rod building classes that I help instruct (see photo). The rod case is by Fish Pond. It will JUST hold a 3 pc spin rod, length wise that has been wrapped in swim noodle. I can get 2, 3 pc spin rods in that swim noodle (see photo). Inside of the case measures at 30 1/8”. There is a divider in the middle so you can actually get 4 rods in there with no reels, or 2 rods, multiple reels, and some tackle. The bottom of the case is hard (see photo). Not shown are some square hard dividers with Velcro along the edges allowing you to build hard walls around your gear. I have often put souvenir pint beer glasses in it wrapped in paper and never had one break. In the last two years this rod case has gone on over 50 plane rides from commercial jets to float planes. I have never had a problem, never had any breakage. I have always used it as a carry on and never had a problem with the airlines saying it is too long. (TSA x-ray folks like to talk fishing when they see the contents)

On the smaller commercial planes where they require you to check all luggage, even carry-ons, I have not had any breakage of the contents with the rod case is put in the belly of the plane.

Sorry for lengthy response but it took me a long time to find a really good way to travel with 3pc rods, and this is it. So to answer your question, I would strongly suggest the 842 and 843 by MHX. . Buzz




[www.rodbuilding.org]

[www.rodbuilding.org]

[www.rodbuilding.org]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/04/2016 05:03AM by Buzz Butters.

If you are looking to put travel rods in carry on luggage, the airlines limit the size of the bags to 21 or 22 inches in length. These are outside dimensions so you'll need to limit the rod pieces to about 20" each.

Rodgeeks makes 4 piece 6'6" blanks. Made one for my dad specifically to fit in a carry on.

Doug, yes that is the restrictions, but with all due respect I have never been told in two years of airplane travel (50 plane rides) that I was required to check this particular bag because it was too long. The only times they made me check at at the jet bridge is when EVERYONE's carry ons had to be checked due to the small size of the plane. And when it was checked, still had no trouble with breakage.
Buzz

Batson has a three piece 7' travel rod: SWT 70 H - SWT 70 MH - SWT 70M. I just came back from Alaska and I carry these rods in a tube strapped to my backpack. No problems with the airlines - plus these are great rods.

Ron Jack
Bowdoin, Maine

Thanks to all for your excellent and comprehensive responses. Buzz, the arrangement you have looks great; simple, efficient and you can carry it on. The two blanks you mentioned are two I was considering, but I was afraid they would be too long to fit inside a checked bag, but obviously there is no need if you can carry them on. I'll check out the other blanks mentioned as well.

Thanks again - very helpful..
.

I have build several rods with the American Tackle travel series blanks and they are amazing. Four different actions all with 7'.
Could be a solution for your needs!

Nuno