Flying out to California tomorrow with a bag of tackle. Do I have to let them know at the bag check in about the hooks and pliers and what not? I've never flown with any fishing gear and thought I heard something a while back about hooks. Sorry in advance

No problem if it is in your checked luggage. I would not put that in your carry on.

I have put hardbaits, soft plastics and hooks in my carry ons a ton on California trips. Never an issue. I would not put anything of value or that I want to keep in my checked bags. I have had a pair of Costas stolen as well as lures from my checked bags.

last 5 years we've flown to matzalan,mexico to fish picachos,el salto and comedero....each year I've put fishing tackle (lures,hooks,sinkers,plastic,spinnerbaits,crankbaits etc) in my checked bag and I've carried my reels in my carry on bag....suggest you put anything with hooks in it in your checked bag because one year i had a couple of jigs in my carry on bag leaving matzalan and they took them away from me going through security...based on what I've heard from other travelers over the years,strongly suggest you do not put cameras,laptops,I-pads,phones,reels or any expensive items in checked baggage...several years ago i forgot and left $200.00 in an envelope in my checked bag flying from Buenos aires,Argentina to Atlanta and it was stolen...those baggage handlers/thieves apparently can see what is inside your luggage with their scanners.....(delta airlines refused to reimburse me)

I carry on fishing lures/reels all the time without issue. You cannot carry on pliers. You should be fine checking just about anything.

Most have experience flying to Mexico. There are different rules for flying in from flying out.

Not even 5 mins in San Diego

Welcome to the Land of Fruits & Nutz

I asked TSA about this a number of years ago. The guy told me as long as the hook is not over 1 inch wide. So most of your normal crank baits as such should fall below that 1 inch rule. This information came from a TSA agent at the security check point in Seattle. Don't hold me to this information.