As an angler, you know that choosing the right fishing lures is crucial to your success on the water. But what about when you’re traveling with your gear? If you’re planning a fishing trip that involves air travel, you might be wondering if you can bring your lures with you. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of traveling with fishing lures, including what types of lures are allowed on airplanes and how to pack them safely.
Air Travel Restrictions on Fishing Lures
When it comes to air travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict guidelines about what items are allowed on planes. Fishing lures fall under the category of “sporting equipment” and are generally allowed on airplanes. However, there are some restrictions you need to be aware of.
First and foremost, fishing lures with hooks are not allowed in carry-on bags. This includes treble hooks, single hooks, and any other type of hook that could potentially cause harm. If you want to bring your fishing lures on the plane, you’ll need to pack them in your checked baggage.
Types of Fishing Lures Allowed on Planes
When packing your fishing lures for air travel, it’s important to know which types of lures are allowed and which ones are not. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:
- Soft plastic lures: These are generally allowed in checked baggage, but make sure they are properly secured in their packaging to prevent them from spilling out.
- Spinnerbaits and buzzbaits: These lures are allowed in checked baggage as long as they do not have any hooks attached.
- Jigs and weights: These are allowed in checked baggage, but make sure they are properly secured so they don’t damage other items in your bag.
- Hard baits: Crankbaits, topwater lures, and other hard baits are allowed in checked baggage, but make sure any hooks are removed or covered to prevent them from causing damage.
Tips for Packing Fishing Lures for Air Travel
Now that you know which types of fishing lures are allowed on planes, let’s talk about how to pack them safely.
- Use a sturdy tackle box: A sturdy tackle box will keep your lures organized and prevent them from getting crushed during transit.
- Remove hooks or cover them: To prevent damage to other items in your bag, remove hooks from hard baits or cover them with tape.
- Secure soft plastic lures: Soft plastic lures can easily spill out of their packaging, so make sure they are secured in a resealable plastic bag.
- Use bubble wrap: To protect fragile lures like crankbaits, wrap them in bubble wrap before placing them in your tackle box.
Traveling with fishing lures can be a bit tricky when it comes to air travel. But with the right knowledge and preparation, you can safely bring your favorite lures with you on your next fishing trip. Just remember to pack them properly in your checked baggage and follow the TSA’s guidelines to ensure a hassle-free travel experience.