Any success stories from trips to Mexico or wherever?
Looking at different stuff on the internet. Some stuff looks good but I'd like to touch it before I buy it.
I know pvc pipe is another option.

cheapst route is PVC. Stuff it with old news paper for protection

Save you $$, go get PVC.

my father in law just got back from el salto and he took 9 rods in a bazooka case and the freakin airline somehow crushed it. it was extended out to 7.5 ft and they sheered the locking pin off and it was 5 ft when he found it. broke 9 rods. if you take a case with rods, i would put a steel rod in it and wrap it up good with something to where it doesnt scratch anything up in there. that may keep it from crushing i dont know. but the airline are offering to pay for all the rods so that is good. just like i told him, atleast it happened on the way back instead of the way there. but i was just going to throw that buy ya man. good luck

Going to build it from Schedule 40 PVC pipe. I have read too many horror stories like this one.

Buy a locking rod case from BPS or Cabelas. Put a TSA-approved lock on it. Check it with your baggage.

I've used the Plano tube on a bunch on trips to Mexico and have not had any problems. I usually take 6 rods, but have taken as many as 8 in the tube.

(PVC) works great and it's cheep

We have clients that make the PVC work. However TSA almost always open the rod tube and check it, as does Mexican Immigration. I would recommend the Bazooka Rod Tube, I think they make a couple of different sizes. You can put 24 rods in the biggest one, so unless you plan on packing some serious heat go with a mid sized one. Don't get the little grey ones, they only hold a couple of rods. The ones with the end that opens with a door seem to work best for me.

Or just book a trip with Trophy Bass Lodge and you can use our rods, and you don't have to worry about it!

Hank, ours was pvc, and we used a threaded end on one end to screw lid on/off. We basically wrapped our rods tip to butt, alternating. Glue one end cap on, with foam cushion in the top, and foam on the bottom. Screw the other end on (so people can unscrew to inspect). Getcha some brass rivets and a strap of leather for a handle, make sure it's balanced. Wrap rods in small bubble wrap. Done.

Made mine out of PVC and had it threaded at both ends. Went through customs with no problems. Wrapped mine in hand/dish towels or just towels. Used 3 of them and used painters (blue) tape. When I unpackaged them just stuck the tape on the shelves to reuse when I repacked them.

Spent about thirty bucks. Got the 3" and packed 6 rods easily, three one direction and three the other.

Check all of your tackle and carry on your clothes.

I like Brett's idea. What kind of rods do you have at Trophy Bass Lodge? 'Cause I am booked with you Feb 17-21. I'm coming with Mary. She won't be as paticular as me. I wont be fishing for numbers. I want to use my own reels and line. They aren't as hard to transport. I am bringing my own baits and some are fairly heavy @ 2 ounces. I know you're headed there soon and I'm anxious to talk to you when you get back.

The PVC tube worked. It was 96" long. Delta Airlines charged an extra $100 from LAX to Los Mochis for oversized luggage. No one else charged extra upon our return. We made 3 connecting flights on 2 different airlines between Los Mochis(LMM) to DFW.
I wasn't crazy about the idea before I hauled all this stuff to Mexico and I'm even less crazy about now. Been there done that, kind of deal.