Packing your rods: If you're bringing along rods, pack them in a sturdy rod tube you can check or pack 4 and 5 piece rods that can be packed in your main checked duffel. It's easy enough to use PVC pipes and plastic caps to make your own tubes. Just make sure they are clearly marked with your contact information and the ends are securely fastened if you are checking them.
Use a soft tackle bag: Hard tackle boxes can crack when tossed about by baggage handlers, so make use of a soft-sided tackel organizer instead. You can sometimes fit more in these bags than in your traditional box anyways! Consider taking apart your lures to fit more in. This creates a little more work upon arriving at your destination, but it may be worth it if you need a variety of sizes for fishing success.
Practice: Do a packing trial a few days before you need to do it for real. That way, you can experiment with how everything fits and alter your packing list as needed. Nothing like a little preparation to make the night before you leave a little less stressful!
Go incognito: If you don't have the latest in fishing travel gear, not to worry. It may be better to use bags that are not branded from a fishing company. That way, no one knows what's inside, and your gear is much less likely to be meddled with - or stolen.
Check out FishAbout for more packing tips (some of which are not specific to fishing).
Where are you taking your gear this year for a great fishing trip?
