Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Does anyone here have a packable travel rod that they're happy with for surf fishing?  I have a travel rod but it just doesn't brake down into a standard carry on.  Seems like a 5-6 piece, 19-20 inch segments would do fit nicely. 

I feel like I'm looking for a unicorn. This seems popular in Europe and in Asia.  Even Shimano has something but they aren't selling it here in the US. 

Hello,

It does seem like most travel surf rods here are built about the lines of Okuma's Rockaway—meaning a 3-piece breakdown.

To meet your specs I've given it some thought to wrap one using a suitable 4-6 piece fly rod blank.

So just some food for thought. Most airlines allow a standard sized carry on and a "personal item".
I moved mountains to set up a suitable rod for my trip, to the mountains, and then at the airport I see people boarding the plane carrying 4' rod holders. When I asked, it turns out it's their "personal item", and that is not particularly restricted. Most picture a laptop bag along with their carryon bag. Turns out it can also be a rod holder.

Ask the airline. You might not need to settle the way you think you will.

F5 has a couple of 5 piece rods that look nice, but they're currently out of stock. They look like casting rods more than spinning rods, but not sure. I looked at the Daiwa Ardito, but some of the reviews weren't very good. Going to keep an eye on this post as I'm in the market too.

Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on Today at 06:28:13 PMAsk the airline. You might not need to settle the way you think you will.

Jason has a good point.  I used to travel a lot for business, and while I was never faced with that type of issue (BTW cases of beer DO need to be in checked baggage) BUT more than once I have been on a flight when some sort of engineering-type person gets on the plane with plans/documents/blueprints/whatever in a tube and straight into the overhead it goes, no drama...-john

Is Black Pearl still around?  If I'm not mistaken he was selling travel rods.  I bought an acid wrapped one years ago (I think from Alan Chui) that broke down to 4'.  I was able to carry it on going to Mexico, but was stopped from bringing it on board from Mexico.  I checked it in and did not remember to retrieve it at customs in LAX.  As a matter of fact I did not remember the rod until a year later. Long gone. Dominick

Quote from: Brewcrafter on Today at 07:01:36 PM

Quote from: JasonGotaProblem on Today at 06:28:13 PMAsk the airline. You might not need to settle the way you think you will.

Jason has a good point.  I used to travel a lot for business, and while I was never faced with that type of issue (BTW cases of beer DO need to be in checked baggage) BUT more than once I have been on a flight when some sort of engineering-type person gets on the plane with plans/documents/blueprints/whatever in a tube and straight into the overhead it goes, no drama...-john

I have flown  to quite a few different places around the world with fishing rods. Usually if it can fit in the overhead bin, the airlines don't care.  Especially if you are older, well dressed, and have a fancy, luggage-looking rod carrier.  Those guys always had less hassles with their gear. Dirtbag looking fly fishing vagabonds- ehhh...

But I did say usually.  And the airlines are not the only arbiter.  Each country has its own equivalent of TSA that decides what is allowed to go into a cabin on an airline, and how much latitude the inspector at the gate has to make a decision.

Once, I was rerouted in Canada, and unexpectedly ended up having to bring my carryon fly rod tube (32 inch) through security to get to my connecting flight.  I had already checked in advance, and it was allowed as carryon by the Canadian TSA equivalent.  But the gate security agent decided that is was not allowed.  I asked to check with a supervisor- nope.  Went back to ticketing- too late to a check it in as luggage.  Went back to security, and this time sailed through with my rod tube.  Barely made my flight.

I see people go through all sorts of problems with fishing tackle at gate security to in Mexico because the rules and enforcement keep changing and  vary by airport.

I expect that we will hear from folk that have traveled with gear a bit and gotten away with it.  If you travel with fishing gear infrequently, and especially if you travel solely within the USA, you probably won't hit a problem. But the risk is there. And as the airlines are cracking down on carryon restrictions and charges, things are more uncertain.  But gate security is the big unpredictable.

Sometimes you can't carryon any fishing gear, sometimes your travel rod is OK, but not your reel, sometimes your reel is OK, but not if it has line on it.  Maybe hooks are OK if they are small, maybe no hooks at all. Maybe it was fine three months ago, but not this time.  Maybe you have to surrender your overpriced fishing pliers. 

I check-in all of my fishing tackle in a piece of brightly colored zip tied  luggage that doesn't look like it has fishing tackle inside. 

-J

You might want to specify what length and line class that you are interested in. 
The higher the line class, the less likely that it will come with short sections.

I don't think that fly rod blanks will generally be satisfactory in terms of action or load capacity, and the majority of travel rod blanks are four pice meaning 27-32 inch segments.

If you are willing to go a bit longer, I am partial to the Okuma  Nomand, and replacement Voyager series.  But you are talking about 30" sections at a minimum for longer rods.  They do have some longer spinning rods, including surf models.  There are occasionally screaming deals on these if you are patient.  Okuma also has a less expensive Rockaway travel line that I am not familiar with.

There are also some sellers that cater to selling JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) gear to USA customers.  A bit  of a pain with reels (parts and warranty issues), but maybe ok for rods.  Might be worth a look.

-J

Yep Dave, that's why I don't bring my own stuff when traveling to Mexico.  Now I have to figure out who I loaned my surf rod and reel too.  I went to look for it and have a vague recollection of lending it to someone.  It sucks getting old.  Dominick

Quote from: jurelometer on Today at 08:10:05 PMYou might want to specify what length and line class that you are interested in. 
The higher the line class, the less likely that it will come with short sections.

Yep, that's what I am seeing, Dave.  I was hoping for something like a 7' 12-20lb medium heavy, fast action which can break down to 5-6 pieces inside of 19-20 inches.  Most carryon's are limited to a length of 22".

I've been putting a lighter weight rod in a pvc tube and storing it above me in the carryon bin.  Haven't had issues doing it so this way, but I feel like we're eventually heading towards a european style of flying here in the US.

Thanks Everyone - Matt

If you go the custom route I believe CTS has (or can cut and ferrule), a fly blank that will fit the bill.

Okuma makes some good travel surf rods with cases, Matt —-

And I have had very good experiences with Okuma rods in recent years.

The ones I bought were the PCHSST rods for fresh water trolling.

Excellent quality and a good value.

They can be found on sale occasionally online and with some of the major tackle outlets.

Okuma is a good company.

The difference between a $400 to $500 travel rod, and one that runs $200 —- is the brand name on the blank — and around $300.

Best, Fred