I am booked for a bass fishing trip to El Salto in February. I've never been there before and probably wont' afford going back a second time.

I need an inexpensive yet durable rod tube to take 4 rods up to 7'3" by airplane. Only rods will be in the tube. Will only use 1 time with most likely no future flying trips.

What do you recommend for safety from rough handling by airline employees and theft prevention? No need for me to purchase a top of the line tube for this single venture.

Thanks!
"befuddled"

I went to home depot and got some 4 inch pvc and put the screw on caps on the ends. Cost me about 20 bucks and I've used it for 15 years. You can make it any length you want.

Thanks Ken!

I had thought about using PVC was wondering about problems with security since I hear about theft during flights. Have you had any issues? Do you just screw on both ends and trust you rods will all be there on arrival?

"befuddled"

I have one of the green and tan Plano rod tubes that is adjustable in length. I have flown it into Cabo several times, I think 3 times now, and also took it somewhere else once, can't recall the destination. Every time I go, I tape it closed with duct tape after packing the inside with balled up newspaper to prevent the rods being banged around on each other and the walls of the tube. Every time, the TSA cuts the duct tape so they can open the tube, I guess they want to see what brand of rods I have, but they always tape it back up with that really cool blue TSA tape. The one time I didn't tape it closed, one of the rods was broken upon arrival, and Continental Airlines told me that fishing gear is not covered under their "damaged items" that they would replace. So, I figured, if it is going to get opened, I am going to make it a pain in the arse for someone to open it.

Check your length limits. I went once and 7 feet was the longest rod I could take.

I have one that I can latch closed and put a TSA approved lock on so they can open it to check it and then lock it back.
I have flown rods to FL before wiht no problems.
You are welcome to borrow it if you would like, just let me know via PM.

Call your airlines and ask the length restrictions. If you can make a PVC with screw on end, you will be golden. Use pipe insulation around the rods, probably 2 rods per each piece of Insulation

TTT

Continental Air will only allow over length of the container to be 7'. That means you got to go with 6.5 ft. rods. Most of the services on El Salto have rods available for you to use now; so check on that also. That second bag will cost $60 both ways.

It is just better these days to pay and use the rods mentioned at Salto. That way you just pack your reels and you dont have to walk thru the airports with that damn rod tube ( which I have done in Mazatlan like 6 times over the years)

4 of us are going to Baccarac in late December. We will use the lodge's rods -- much less hassle and $$$ for baggage fees that way!

With current airline bag regulations and fees, IMHO it is the only way to go!

C.

When flying international on continental or american, you get 1 bag free, and I only paid something like $50.00 for my rod tube, and it was well longer than 7', if I recall, they let you have it as long as 8' overall length. Definitely check with the airline before you fly. If you can fit all of your clothes, etc. in the suitcase of one of your friends, put your reels in a carryon bag, put your rods and your friends rods in a tube, and you shouldn't have to pay for any luggage.

+1 this is what I ran into. I brought my reels and used the rods the lodge had.

I think if you have a puddle jumper on your flight itenerary, then you can get a tube that big on the airplane. Check to be sure. Things may have changed. I haven't been in almost 2 years.