FWIW, I recently (July 4) flew from California to Florida with no checked baggage at all. I put my reel and flies in my carry-on and hand-carried my 3wt in a rod sock. Never got questioned and never had a problem. Technically, and I checked, flies are allowed in your carry-on by TSA. I did make sure however, to not have any kind of nippers or hemo's with me at all. It was a small price to pay for the convenience.

John