Are Fishing Lures Allowed on Airplanes?

Fishing lures are self-explanatory — an artificial fishing bait used to attract the attention of predatory fish. They’re loaded with sharp hooks that get stuck in the fish’s mouth as soon as they strike it. These sharp hooks are exactly why someone into fishing may wonder if fishing lures would be allowed on planes, whether as a carry-on or in the luggage bag.

What is the TSA’s Policy Regarding Fishing Lures on Airplanes?

Transport Security Administration (TSA) is an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security. They have authority over the transportation systems within and connecting to the USA.

If you’re thinking that you’ll end up luring the TSA officer on duty and bond over fishing to help bypass any policies, think again. The TSA has clear instructions about fishing lures on its official website. Small fishing lures can be brought on the plane, both in carry-on and checked bags, given that they’re well-wrapped and sheathed.

The TSA website says that small flies that do not pose a security threat will be allowed in carry-ons. Our best judgment says, however, that it’s highly likely that any sharp objects will either be confiscated or requested to be checked. So, it’s best that you wrap your lures up nicely and put them in your check-in luggage the night before to avoid any mishaps.

We also request you never make the mistake of prioritizing an airline’s statement over what TSA has clearly conveyed. For instance, JetBlue states that small, fresh-water hooks are acceptable but deep-sea hooks will need to be in checked baggage. The TSA, on the other hand, doesn’t really differentiate between the two and only cares about sharp tackles that may pose a security threat.

Different Types of Fishing Lures

There are multiple types of fishing lures out there. Since all of them have a sharp hook in them, the transportation instructions should be similar for all. Here are three of the most common lures:

Flies

These hooks are designed to resemble insects and are commonly used in fly fishing.

Spoon lures

A spoon lure resembles a curved, concave spoon surface but without the handles. They usually look like an injured fish that predator fish cannot say no to.

Jigs

Jigs have a weighted head, sink easily, and are the most famous type of fishing lures. They’re excellent for deep-sea fishing.

TSA’s Policy Regarding Fishing Lures: Our Verdict

Security measures were amped up after 9/11 and have only been stricter since then. Nearly every sharp object is considered dangerous and more often than not, you can’t take it with you in a carry-on. Heck, even if you’re wearing large boots, you’ll probably have to take them off for a security check and wear them again right after.

We believe the measures are taken for the right reasons and it only makes sense to keep a sharp object as fishing lures wrapped and sheathed.

Taking Fishing Equipment on a Plane: What Else Should You Be Mindful Of?

Since the debate on fishing lures is now settled, here are a few other things you need to keep in mind when packing fishing equipment for a flight:

• Carry-on size limit is 22x14x9 inches and weight limit is 20-40 lbs.
• Fishing rods are permitted in both checked bags and carry-ons, given that your equipment doesn’t exceed the size limitations.
• Anything sharp must be well-wrapped and should ideally be in checked baggage.
• Any other kind of fishing equipment can be taken along as a carry-on as long as it meets the weight and size limitations.
• Braided fishing lines are not allowed in your carry-on bags.