Can You Bring Fishing Lures on a Plane?

Quick Answer

Yes, you can bring fishing lures on a plane, but how you pack them matters. Small, non-sharp lures can go in your carry-on luggage, but wrap any sharp ones and place them in your checked baggage to avoid security issues. It’s always a good idea to use a hard tackle box for extra protection.

Introduction

Planning to fly out with your fishing gear? Perhaps you're wondering if you can bring those lures along in your carry-on. Rest assured, it is a lot easier than you may imagine. We have compiled a straightforward guide that highlights all you should know when flying with fishing lures. We'll take you through some of the rules regarding these by the TSA, provide you with some tips on how to pack them, and have you ready to go the moment you land. Whether you are going out on the lake for a lazy day or an exciting deep-sea adventure, this article will help you pack your lures without giving you any hassles.

What Are the TSA Rules for Flying with Fishing Gear?

Carry-On Restrictions:

• Small lures: Can be packed in carry-on luggage, but they should be small and not too sharp.
• Sharp objects: Larger, sharper hooks should go into checked baggage to avoid security concerns.

Checked Luggage Guidelines:

• Fewer restrictions: Larger and sharper lures are generally okay in checked bags.
• Safe packing: Use a hard tackle box to contain and protect lures and prevent injuries or damage.

TSA Officer Discretion:

• Final decisions: Even if you follow these guidelines, a TSA officer can make the final call at the checkpoint.
• Potential for change: Rules can change, so review the latest TSA advice before flying.

Generally speaking, those smaller, not-so-sharp fish lures are okay in your carry-on. They should be packed so that they don't appear to be a threat to anyone—like in some sort of protective case. Big and sharp lures with big hooks-you want to put those in your checked suitcase.

Now, when it comes to your checked luggage, you have a little more freedom. You can transport just about any size of fishing lure in it. However, make sure they are contained, and even better if they can be enclosed in a sturdy, hard-shell tackle box.

The bottom line on what does and doesn't make it through the checkpoint rests with the TSA officer you meet. An item may seem perfectly OK to you, yet be deemed risky by the officer. Because airport security rules sometimes change, it's a good idea before you leave to spend a minute on the TSA website just to make sure you know the latest regulations.

What Types of Fishing Lures Can You Bring on Planes and How Should They Be Packed?

Picking lures to fly with can make a difference. For instance, soft baits are usually squishy and flexible, so there is no big deal with them at the airport. They are never sharp enough to raise some suspicions, so you can just throw them into your carry-on without much ado.

Because spinners and spoons are metal and sometimes can have edges or points, they can be a bit dicey to security people. Generally speaking, it's best to just stash these in your checked luggage. If you want them nearer to your carry-on, then each should be individually wrapped to avoid possible issues at inspection. Flies are generally allowed in carry-on luggage because they're small and usually not sharp.

How to Pack Fishing Lures for Air Travel

Step 1: Wrap Sharp Lures

• Find a soft cloth or bubble wrap.
• Wrap each sharp lure individually, covering points and edges thoroughly to prevent injury and damage.

Step 2: Group Your Lures

• Sort your lures by type—soft baits, spinners, spoons, and flies.
• Group each type together. This organization makes it easier when going through security and also helps when you're unpacking for your fishing adventure.

Step 3: Choose the Right Tackle Box

• Select a hard-case tackle box, which provides better protection against impacts.
• Opt for a travel-specific tackle box if available; they are designed to be more compact and fit into luggage easily.

Step 4: Protect Your Hooks

• Use hook protectors, small rubber or plastic caps, to cover the points of your hooks.
• Place hooks in a separate compartment or container away from other gear to prevent snagging.

Step 5: Secure Your Tackle Box

• Ensure all lures and tools in the tackle box are immobile to avoid any movement that might cause damage.
• Lock the tackle box if possible, or secure it with a strap to prevent it from accidentally opening during handling.

Step 6: Final Check and Packing

• Review your packed lures and tackle boxes to confirm everything is snug and protected.
• Place the tackle box in your checked luggage if it contains any sharp or large lures.
• Consider packing softer, non-threatening lures in your carry-on for easy access or in case of luggage delays.

Step 7: TSA Compliance Check

• Before heading to the airport, quickly review the TSA's guidelines on transporting fishing equipment for any last-minute updates or changes.
• Ensure compliance with both TSA regulations and airline policies to facilitate a smooth security check-in process.

Fly Fishing Made Easy – Pack Smart and Enjoy the Trip

Flying with your fishing lures and gear is definitely doable, so long as you pack smart. Smart baits are fine in your carry-on, but sharper lures should be wrapped up and placed in checked luggage. Don't forget to protect your hooks and look into hard-shell tackle boxes for safekeeping. Take those rods apart and cushion the reels for their own protection. It would be good to go over the recent TSA regulations and your specific airline rules before you actually set off for the airport so that you do not face any surprises at the last minute.