I have to fly to my fly fishing destination. And sometimes I am in a small jet with little bulkhead room.
A few years ago, I replaced all my 2 piece rods with either 5 piece rods or 4 piece rods. They fit nicely (at an angle) in my hard suitcase.
Last yr. I was lucky enough to buy a NOS Hardy Perfection glass rod. It is 3 pieces and measures 34" in the tube. Too long for my hard suitcase.
I hesitate to carry-on this new rod.
Anyone know of an inexpensive 34" hard case suitcase?
Thanks,
Byron
Go to the hardware store, buy some pvc tubing and make your own.
How about looking at a Plano or other manufacturers’ products for molded plastic gun cases? You’ll probably have to search for a model with the length you want. Another alternative is to make a case from pvc tubing and end pieces. Inexpensive(less than $5), quick & easy to make to whatever length you need, and nearly impossible to damage the interior contents.
Allan
If you use the PVC, don’t seal it up yet because they are likely going to want to inspect it.
NT,
You want to rethink that comment? If he seals the container, aside from any inspection, how’s he going to get his rod out? Solution: Deal one end and put a screw top or a slide top at the other end. Point of information: I flew to CO about 5 years ago and had a 4 piece fly rod in a pvc tube that I carried on. The inspectors at the CO airport asked what was in the tube. I told them a fly rod and they waved me through. No one asked me to open it. I was actually pissed because I thought they should be asking anyone with something like that to open it for inspection.
Allan
Thanks guys. Here’s the problem I tried to explain.
I don’t want to carry-on because one leg of my flight will be in a smaller jet with small bulkheads. Often does not have undivided partitions and therefore not long enough for 34". In addition, since I will be on two separate flights and three airports, I don’t want to be carrying them around between flights. Hoping to get all my rods in my one bag.
I do have one of those duffel bags on rollers. The rod fits there, but that bag is a hassle to drag around.
Byron,
Put in pvc tube and MAIL IT.
Allan
Byron, Have you looked at the Swiss brand hardshell cases? The 28" should be large enough to place the rod diagonally. Travellers Choice is another less expensive brand of hardshell case.
three options:
Well, after the situation is resolved, how about letting us know what you ended up doing? Oh and there is yet another option, leave your rod and buy or rent one at the destination. That way, after you’re done, you can mail it home if you bought it or just return it when you leave if rented.
Allan
I have a 31" rod case that I put two 4pc rods in.
I just got back from a trip on those small planes.
I always carry my rods and they fit under the seat.
If I wanted a good case to protect a valued fly rod, then I would consider a Pelican case. The Pelican Model 1700 would probably fit the bill.
I keep my binoculars in a Pelican case, and always put my cell phone and camera in Pelican cases whenever I have them in my drift boat.
Last week I took my binoculars with me in the Pelican case when I drove my Polaris Ranger ATV into an area that had been burned by a fire a short time earlier this summer, from where I wanted to get a good look at the Pine Creek fire (8,000 - 9,000 acres or so) that is presently burning here in Paradise Valley, a few miles south of Livingston.
What a dirty mess that was! When I got home, I took the hose to everything - including myself - to clean things off. I just hosed the Pelican case off, with the binoculars inside, and everything was good to go again as soon as it dried.
John
On one flight in which I carried on a fly rod, the flight attendant made me put it in her front closet as she said in turbulence it would become a spear.
Just trying to avoid the hassle.
I will let everyone know what I do. I have several rods which do fit in my hard case suitcase, but this one is sort of “special” and would like to bring it along as well.
On my last trip, when I got to Phoenix and boarded the small jet, they took everyone’s carry-on at the end of the jetway before entering the plane and gave you a luggage ticket as they put them in baggage due to the paucity of space in the plane for overhead storage.
Such are the travails in the life of a traveling fly fisher. Geez …
I’d say more but I like being able to post to this site.
Allan
Sorry to have mentioned it. Hope I haven’t upset anyone else.
Byron,
Not upset. Let us know what you eventually figure out to be the best resolution for you.