Best way of transporting rods

[benhben]

I made a similar threat to this in the plugging section but think it would get more response in the travel forum. Anyway Im off to mexico in the summer and plan to take a spinning rod and some plugs. Whats the best way of taking rods abroad without them getting nicked or damaged.

Also if a rod does get stolen are you eligible for a compensation pay out from the airline to pay for it?

Ben

[PanamaJack]

Ben
First point, if your travel plans involve transiting through the ‘States you’ll need to read this sticky - http://www.worldseafishing.com/forum...ad.php?t=28611 - regarding locking luggage generally.

Then, although there can still, post ‘9/11’ be exceptions for ‘multi-part’ travel rods you should, to save frustration and disappointment, work on the premise that they need to be transported as checked hold baggage.

Rods can be transported in robust extendable, commercially bought tubes ( Isn’t the Bazoka one such option?) or something you construct yourself from plumbing components purchased from a builders merchants depot. For the latter, either 100 or 150cm soil piping, sealed by screwable end caps works. One needs to be glued on.

The commercial one has the advantage of having provision to lock it whereas that’s something you’d have to build into a ‘home made’ version using a lockable bar through the removable cap. The option with the ‘home made’ version is to seal the removable cap with lots of heavy duty sticky tape.

I’ve only once had an issue with a home made one when, many years ago, baggage handlers at Lisbon, I’m sure deliberately drop one on a cap edge shattering it. Obviously there was no market of 80lb big game rods because nothing was taken!

Whichever method you decide to use though check any limitations on baggage dimensions with the airlines you’re flying with. Should be on their web sites. Some, rather than a ‘sum’ of dimensions also define a maximum length.

As to the rods make sure they’re padded, especially the tips. And especially protect rings. Your lures can also go in the tube, or hold baggage. Don’t try to take them on as carry on, they may get confiscated.

The same can apply with reels, some check-in staff are concerned that you’re going to garrotte fellow passengers with the line. But there are conflicting views expressed on the forum over this – some have got away with it others haven’t. I personally prefer to ‘play safe’ and put it through in the hold.

Just one last point oversized baggage gets taken separately through the ‘system’ so make sure it’s clearly labelled, and it’s worth putting contact details in the tube just in case it’s mislaid. But, when you get to the other end, they’re usually deposited in a separate place. Make sure, once you’ve landed, you find out where that’s likely to be; it’s not always obvious.

But also make sure someone stands near the beginning of the luggage belt. Sometimes they’re stupid enough to try to put tubes on those, and they don’t go round bends overly well!

Finally, if anything does get damaged you’ll need to get a claim form from the local airline’s representative. The process, back in the UK, can then be very bureaucratic, you’ll need to get written quotes for repairs as well as a new purchase. But that won’t help you if it arrives damaged in Mexico! In that case all I can suggest is buy a new one, get a receipt and argue your case when you get back.
Dave

[PanamaJack]

This was the latest post in the African forum I found relative to transporting reels.

Also, flew from East Midlands Airport. I always carry my reels in my hand luggage. (Been damaged before in the case). Anyway, I was asked to strip both reels of all line at security. Waste, never happened before. Be warned !!

Tony

[benhben]

Cheers Jack!

[fishiee29]

Travel all over the place with Bazuka tubes. They are pretty tough but I have seen them jammed into luggage trolleys smaller than the actual tube klength and get damaged to the point they are unusable after the trip, though the rods survived. There is one flaw in that they can be very easily pulled in half if someone wants to get in, but then most of these tubes are easy to get into if someone really wants to. they are just plastic.

They often don't get weighed though, so you can cram them with everything you can fit into them

As for reels, I personally wouldn't take them as hand luggage loaded with line having read stories before of people having to strip the reels. I have however travelled with people with loaded rells as hand luggage. Had a few funny looks, but not had to strip them.

My hand luggage is crammed with photo gear, so reals are just packed out in as much clothing as possiblein my cargo bag and I never have any problems. Most of my clothing is in the luggage for protection of reels etc. than for actually wearing! I do take a lot of care in packing the cargo bag in such a way as everything is well protected, with plenty of compression straps to keep it all tightly packed and all in place. Never had any problems yet touch wood!

Good point about those locks for the states. I believe they seel them at the airports nowadays as well as some high street stores.

[crisdafish]

I'm on my 2nd Bazuka tube - the 1st one broke on the extending piece after one trip to the Gambia. I'd bought it from Veals, and top marks to them, they replaced it without question.
The 2nd one has proved more durable bit the clasp that keeps the top shut snapped so it’s got to be taped together.
I’ve noticed on 2 occasions that halfway down the tube it has been slightly crushed, but since I don’t over pack the tube nothing has been broken.
One great point about using a Bazuka tube is that they are rarely weighed, so I often put clothes in the tube to act as packing which leaves you more room in your case for tackle.