Air travels with fishing rods

[MuskieBait]

(08-14-2013 03:54 PM)OldTimer Wrote:  A few times on Florida flight trips I've taken my reels.......... but bought a rod or two on sale at my destination....... and then mailed them to my self at home (suitable insurance is usually included), or had relatives drive them back when they came home.

OT

Tried doing that once. But then realized...at a shipping cost of $30 minimum, I might as well bring my own rod with in the travel rod tube. The charge for a second luggage is $25-$35 (one way) for the entire rod tube, and I can bring 4 rods with me in the tube.

But the with amount I've traveled in the last 5 years, I want to save on the second luggage charge ($50-70 per trip...it really adds up!). Now, I'm appreciating the 3-piece and 4-piece travel rods which are under 33" collapsed size. I have 3 rod tube for these rod that can pack into my rolling duffel, plus two other tubes for fly rods...but I think I'll soon switch to a single 6" rod tube to hold all the rods. Having 4 separate rod tubes is quite a bit of weight (the rod tubes in total is about 4-5lbs!)...and if I can carry-on the rods, it's easier to just put them all into one tube.

The problem with buying rods at the destination is that you may or may not always find the gear you need...and I often end up wasting time going around everything looking for the right gear. In the past, even simple things like Gotchas, wire leader for sharks, circle hooks, heavy lead...etc, it often takes some time calling local shops and checking in person to find the right items. Finding the right rod would be even more problematic. Time is money and time is precious on vacation...there is no time to waste.

On any particular trip, I bring 3 rods with me at the minimum of different lengths and action (and I actually use them all). If I have to buy 3-4 rods each trip and ship them home, I will have too many spare rods at home. I have too many rods already as is. Some of the items I've been selling lately is a testament to having too many rods and reels and tackle in general. I don't really need more. If I purchase 3 rods...even if they are $20 each, the cost adds up pretty quickly.

Not being a snob...but I need better performance than what a $20 rod can offer...sensitivity, responsiveness, weight, quality of component...etc. Even UglyStiks are more than $20 nowadays...but there are certain time and place UglyStiks just don't cut it.