The TSA state that you can pack fishing hooks in your carry on bags.
In reality, though, this will not always be the case.
The issue is that the TSA will not allow every single sharp item you want to bring in your carry on.
It depends on the size of the item.
Unfortunately, the TSA does not specify the length at which point a sharp item becomes too long to be packed in your carry on.
But if we take scissors as a reference point, they are only allowed in your carry on if the blade is no longer than 4 inches.
Bringing Fishing Hooks in Your Checked Bag
You can pack fishing hooks in your checked bags – and this is what we would recommend.
According to the TSA, large fish hooks should be “be sheathed, securely wrapped, and packed in your checked bags.”
As mentioned, the problem is that the TSA do not state a specific length as to what constitutes a large fish hook, though hooks used for deep sea fishing will always be considered too large for your carry on.
Taking this into account and because the final decision always rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint, be on the safe side and pack your fishing hooks in your checked bags.
Pack Fishing Hooks in Your Checked Bag When Flying Internationally
The TSA only has authority in the USA, so when flying from an international destination different rules will apply depending on the country you are in.
For this reason, we recommend only packing fishing hooks in your checked bags when flying internationally.
Airline Policies
You shouldn’t run into any issues when bringing fishing hooks on a plane in either your carry on or checked bags regardless if you’re flying with Delta, Southwest, United, American Airlines, or any other airline.
One thing to be aware of is that airlines will want sharp items, including fishing hooks, to be “sheathed and securely wrapped” according to TSA regulations.
How to Pack Fishing Hooks for Air Travel
As you can tell, we only recommend packing fishing hooks in your checked bags because there is a possibility that they will be confiscated if packed in your carry on.
The most important rule to follow is to make sure that the fishing hooks are “sheathed and securely wrapped” as the TSA recommends.
For simplicity, we recommend using a fishing hook container, which can be bought for no more than $10-20.
You Can Bring Fishing Rods on a Plane
The TSA state that fishing rods are allowed to be packed in both your carry on and checked bags.
However, airlines will have the final say as to whether a fishing rod will be allowed onboard in your carry on, so check with the airline you are flying with before you get to the airport.
As Well as Fishing Reels and Pliers
You can bring fishing pliers on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags, as long as the total length of the pliers does not exceed 7 inches.
If the pliers exceed 7 inches, they should be packed in your checked bag.
The TSA state that you can pack fishing reels in both your carry on and checked bags, too.
Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.
Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.
Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).
