Tom Larimer just got back from hosting a week at BC West on the Dean River. Since spey rods and travel were at the top of his mind, he put together some tips for us those two topics.
Thanks Tom.
Spey Rods and Bazuka Tubes
Traveling with two-handed rods and fishing gear from the “Lower 48” up to Alaska West or BC West takes a little planning. A great way to pack your rods is in Bazooka Tube. Available through Cabela’s, a Bazuka Tube is a plastic rod tube that can accommodate six of your longest spey rods. It’s lockable, giving you a little extra security as well. For added protection, throw a pair of your wading socks into the bottom and top to stop your rods from sliding around inside the tube.
Although the tube has a handle, a snowboard bag works great for packing your rod tube and all of your other fishing gear. Most snowboard bags are padded, making them perfect for travelling with fragile items like reels, fly boxes, etc. Although most bags have a handle for carrying, Dakine makes bags with rollers or backpack straps. Just make sure the bag you get is long enough to accommodate your Bazuka Tube.
I had a Spey rod tube made by one of the rod carrier manufacturers that is 8″ in diameter and long enough for big Spey rods. Works great.
Some airlines (Condor) allow golf bags to travel free of charge (but not rod tubes!)Put rod tube in golf bag and then put spare clothes in making sure it is not too heavy.Bear in mind that customs open rod tubes/golf bags for inspection.I have found cable ties are better for securing tubes/golf bags rather than padlocks as customs can break padlocks to get in.!For 1 weeks fishing 1 golf bag and 1 carry on bag is enough.
In 2009 I checked 2 bags in on Alaska and had 2 carry ons. In LAX I had to ck in on TACA for the flight to Honduras. The agent noticed my rod bag I was carrying and said it was too long for a carry on. He made me ck it as luggage. Since I already had 2 cked bags, the third, the rod tube, was an extra $250 and when he found out it was “sports gear”, that was another $100. AND they only guaranteed it would get there in 9 days! I was not a cooperative customer, the rods arrived at San Pedro Sula in 9 days. Know the bag policy of every air line you are traveling on!
I can pack 2 spey rods in their original tubes plus boots, waders and a hip bag into a light stand bag (typically used by video folks). I found a bag that exactly fit all my stuff and was barely under the “oversize” dimensions per the airline, so no extra charges.
Cabelas sells an aluminum gun case with wheels.
I can pack 4-5 spey rods, all my reels with extra spools, sink tips and most of my flies and I carry on my tube flies with no hooks.
It is a bit heavy (about 40 lbs.) but this allows me to travel with two bags for a 2 week trip to B.C.