Checking fishing poles??

[Promomx2]

We're flying into to MCO and then driving to Ft. Myers Beach and ds is planning on taking his fishing poles. We're going via Jetblue so that will count as his checked bag so no fee (yay). But dh and I are disagreeing on the type of case to put the poles. Dh says he need a hard case and I say he can use a soft-sided case. Has anyone every checked fishing poles at a airline?

 

[mikehn]

I've never checked fishing rods but I cannot imagine a fishing rod surviving in a soft case if it's getting checked. I would think you would want to carry on something that fragile. Otherwise, if you want a cheap solution to check the rod, you can go to the hardware store and buy a length of white pvc pipe in the plumbing section and two pvc caps for each end of the pipe. Remove the reel and transport that separately. Put the rod inside the pvc pipe and cap both ends. now you have an inexpensive hard case to check the rod.

 

[NotUrsula]

According to JetBlue's website, he needs it packed in something hard:

Fishing Equipment
There is no additional charge for fishing equipment; however, one item of fishing equipment will count as one of your checked bags.
One item of fishing equipment is considered:

• two rods
• one reel
• one landing net
• one pair of fishing boots (properly encased)
• one fishing tackle box

Please note: all equipment should be packed in a hard-sided container
Fishing poles are allowed as carry-on baggage provided they fit in the overhead compartment. Small hooks for fly fishing or fresh water hooks are acceptable as allowed by TSA (Transportation Security Administration). Deep sea fishing hooks are permitted in checked bags.

That could be a cardboard box, but finding one the correct size to hold that would be hard unless his rods break down. Also, you cannot carry on large-size hooks for deep-sea fishing, so if that's the plan and he can't get them into the container with the rods, he should buy the hooks in Florida.

The fishing in Ft. Myers is really good, though; he'll have a lot of fun with it. A couple of years ago I landed 3 fish in about 25 minutes just fishing off the main pier at this time of year.

 

[Promomx2]

Thanks. I can't believe I didn't see that. Oh, well, now to find a hardcase on sale or check to see if it's gonna be cheaper just to go by Bass Pro Shop and buy a rod/reel once we get down there.

 

[NotUrsula]

We have breakdown rods that we use for travel, and I always check them along with my other tackle in a hardside ice chest -- along with all of the other fishing/beach items. That way I have the chest for anything that I catch.

If he's going to make a habit of fishing while traveling, you might want to make him a gift of a good breakdown rod (or two). They really are not much good for deep sea fishing, but charter boats supply tackle anyway. Good breakdowns will work for just about anything other than pier-fishing for large shark.

PS: He can always take his reels and just buy rods. After all, the reel is the priciest part.