The Unexpected Piece Of Fishing Gear That Passes TSA Checks With Ease

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We've all been there — the groan you let out when your bag gets pulled aside by the TSA for extra checks, and the dismay you experience if something gets confiscated. Even if you know all the tricks and tips to avoid getting flagged by TSA, sometimes you can't avoid the extra level of security. And while something like an oversized container of liquid can get you pulled, there is an odd item that you can bring through TSA, no problem. That item? Fishing poles.

Fishermen can rest at ease knowing that they can travel with their precious cargo in-cabin, for their next big fishing trip. The TSA cautions though, that while fishing poles are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage by their standards, each airline has their own stipulations regarding what equipment can be packed.

Breeze Airways, the relatively new budget airline that services many leisure destinations with good fishing, allows for two fishing rods, one reel, and one tackle box (alongside various other gear) to be carried onto the flight. For Frontier Airlines, as long as the fishing equipment can fit in the overhead bin and doesn't exceed carry-on size, it can fly in-cabin. Other airlines, like Hawaiian, only accept rods as checked luggage, assuring passengers that the gear's odd shapes will not incur an additional, oversized baggage fee.

The TSA is not so forgiving about other fishing equipment, however. This includes things found in common tackle boxes, like fish hooks and fishing line nippers. Sharp fishing tackle, that is anything that can be used as a weapon or be perceived as a threat, is prohibited from going through TSA in your carry-on luggage.

If you want to avoid getting pulled aside and these items confiscated, it's best to pack them in your checked bag. Even in checked luggage though, hooks and other sharp objects must be sheathed and wrapped, so be compliant if you don't want to trigger a checked bag search. For an extra level of assurance and security that your fishing equipment gets to your destination enact, consider a hard-case rod carrier like this Flambeau Outdoors Fishing Rod Storage Holder. For tackle boxes, take a peek at hard-shelled equipment too, like this Portable Sougayilang Fishing Tackle Box, or this travel ready Plano Edge Mirco Fly Storage Box.

That said, you are permitted to bring fragile tackle or expensive reels in your carry-on baggage. In fact, in order to avoid damage, it's best to keep fragile or expensive items with you, but again, be sure they can't be perceived as dangerous in any way. Know your TSA carry-on luggage rules before you get to the airport, so you don't have to suffer the delay of getting pulled aside and the frustration of losing your best hooks before you board your flight.