Can You Bring Fishing Hooks On A Plane?

Fish hooks are essential for any fishing trip. They come in many shapes and sizes, but all have the same primary function: to catch a fish without harming it. But because they’re so sharp and dangerous, you might wonder if it is safe to bring them on a plane.

Most times, fishing hooks can be brought on a plane, but there are some limitations. One catch is they must be kept in a checked bag. They should be completely enclosed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors. Never try to bring fishing hooks on as a carry-on item, or you risk having them confiscated at the security checkpoint.

If you’re excited about your fishing trip, but you’re wondering what other essentials you can bring to reduce what you need to buy when you land. We will go through the other items you should bring with you on your trip and also some things that you should leave at home.

Can I Bring Fishing Hooks on a Plane?

Fishing hooks can be brought onto a plane, but there are restrictions. The TSA sets the rules for these items, and they vary slightly by the airport and airline.

Fishing hooks are considered a dangerous item and will need to be kept in your checked bag. Depending on the cost of your fishing hooks and lures, it may be easier to buy new ones when you arrive at your destination vs. taking the risk of not packing them right and having them confiscated.

You can bring as many fishing hooks as you need as long as they are appropriately stored. When selecting the fishing hooks and lures to bring, it is essential to check your destination’s fishing laws as certain areas, and types of fish require certain types of equipment.

Can I Bring Fishing Rods on a Plane?

Fishing rods are usually allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage, depending on the size. If you’re planning on taking your rods as a carry-on, you will want to have a 4 piece travel rod or telescopic rod, which can be collapsed to be around 12-25 inches. If the case or rods are too big, you might need to check your bag.

If you plan on bringing larger rods for offshore or beach fishing, you should check these as a checked bag. They will be classified as sports equipment, and you should be charged the standard luggage rate.

When planning what rods to bring with you, consider what type of fishing will be available at your destination. If you are heading to the beach or ocean for big game fish, then bring your heavy-duty gear, but if you plan on fishing in a local pond, it might be better to get some smaller equipment, so you don’t incur extra luggage fees.

If you are going on a charter or with a large group, you may be able to leave your heavier gear at home, but make sure to talk to your charter captain first. Ask if the equipment is available on the boat before you bring more than what’s necessary on the plane.

Preparing Your Rods For Travel

When preparing your rods for travel, it is important to remember they can break, so you’ll want to pack them properly. When you disassemble your rod, pay attention to the guides, which are little metal pieces on the rod that hold the line in place. Make sure these are at least finger tight, or else they may come off during travel.

There are many different types of fishing rods, but they all share similar parts, so make sure to check your own instruction manual for the proper way to disassemble it for travel.

You can utilize a hard shell tube to protect your rods from damage during travel. Just make sure it is approved for the size of your fishing rod and that it has a shoulder strap for ease of carrying.

You might also want to make sure your case can support a padlock for added security. There are many different kinds of padlocks available, but make sure it won’t scratch up your rod case and that the keys are easily accessible.

What About Your Fishing Reel?

Fishing reels can be one of the most expensive parts of your fishing rod. Most reels are allowed in your carry-on and a checked bag, so you have a little more freedom with how you take them.

You want to make sure you package your reel well to ensure it doesn’t get damaged or destroyed during your travels. Make sure that all of the parts are there and any screws are secure. You don’t want them coming loose during your flight.

If you decide to put your reels in your checked bag, you must make sure they are appropriately packed. A plastic bag with some bubble wrap will work great for this, but a hard case or box is your best bet, as it will help prevent them from getting crushed.

Should You Bring Your Tackle Box on a Plane?

A tackle box can be a great way to keep your fishing hooks and lures organized while you’re on the move. There are several different tackle boxes available, so you’ll want to make sure it is big enough for all of your gear but small enough that it doesn’t get too heavy.

Tackle boxes usually come with compartments or drawers, making it easier to organize your gear, especially while traveling. The case should lock so you won’t have to worry about anything spilling open during transportation.

There are also smaller versions of tackle boxes that will fit inside your luggage, but they aren’t entirely as secure and might not keep everything safe during a bumpy ride.

You will want to remove any loose items from your tackle box before you head to the airport. Objects like lures or hooks can get tangled up in your other gear and cause damage to your fishing tackle box during travel.

If you want to bring some lures along with you but don’t have them in a tackle box, they can easily fit inside your carry-on as long as they are wrapped or new in the box. Lures should be stored in a bag and placed inside your carry-on.

If your tackle box opens pretty easily, it may be a good idea to leave it at home. It will be much harder to keep it from being opened when you are in the airport or on a plane. Depending on your final destination and how you plan to fish, you may find it easier to get what you need at the local fishing store instead of bringing a lot of your own gear.

What Other Gear Should You Bring?

Depending on the type of fishing you plan to do, there are many other items you might want to bring with you. We’ll look at several different gear options and how to make sure they stay safe while traveling.

You never know when you might need protection from the elements, especially if you’re fishing in colder climates. Make sure to bring a quality jacket that is also water-resistant to keep yourself warm and dry.

Having a good pair of gloves with you is another way to stay warm and protect your hands. You can choose any kind of gloves to fit your preference, but the key is to make sure they are durable enough to stand up against different elements and fish.

Sunglasses are a great way to keep the sun out of your eyes and protect them from debris. It can also give you a little more style while fishing, but make sure they are polarized and offer UV protection.

Downloading a fishing app on your phone is a great way to research the best spots near you and even find out what types of fish are in that area. Some apps will even tell you what lures are being used to catch fish.

You may also want to bring a portable phone charger just in case you’re out in the middle of nowhere. You never know how long you’ll be out on your fishing trip, and it can be frustrating when your phone dies while trying to look up a good spot.

Conclusion

Fishing hooks are generally acceptable to bring on an airplane, but they must be packed appropriately. Tackle boxes can provide extra security for your fishing gear, but if you’re overly concerned about someone tampering with it, then it’s probably best that you leave it at home.

You should also bring all the other items listed above, especially if you’re going somewhere new. You’ll have a better experience if you know what the weather will be like and have everything you need to ensure your gear is safe from damage.

If you plan on going out of the country, make sure to check with your airline beforehand for any restrictions they may have. Download a fishing app for your phone to help you figure out where the fish are biting, then it’s time for you to hit the open water.

Remember to check with your airline and TSA before bringing any of your fishing gear onto the plane.