I need a reel bag that needs to accomodate 4-6 reels suitable for a 5 day trip. Who makes the best bags? If it matters, I will carry this bag on an airliner as one of my carryons.

I have two WFO bags--one is the small (holds a 50W, 30W, and four smaller reels), the other the large (holds 12 reels I'm taking next time, and lots of line, leader, and so forth). Not sure if they are best, but they are sweet! But, that's not my real point in replying.

Better make *sure* that airline will let you take reels aboard. When tried to get such assurance from United, I was not guaranteed that TSA would let me bring the reels aboard, and each stowed bag was insured for a maximum of $500, IIRC. I had to mail mine to the boat, to make sure they were insured for their replacement value.

outhouse , you ought to check with charkbait. i just scrolled through and found an albakore bag that holds 6 reels.


oh i have one just like it , i can fit a 30 in to it.

Planet, I just flew from TN to SD and back for a 5 day trip. Before I left, I read on the TSA site that "Expensive" fishing reels should be taken on as carry ons. When I started going through security, I told them what was in the bag and didn't have any problem. Actually the dude in Memphis asked me to open up the bag, but I think this was more curiosity than anything. When I left SD, there was a lady training another person and I told her what was in the bag and she said "good I want to show the trainee what they look like". I had no problems whatsoever. I had three reels fulling loaded with line and three large spools of mono.

Hey, Outhouse:

Thanks for the report, it's very cool that you got through, and it ought to be a no brainer. So long as you can carry them on, no problem! What I fear is that the rules change, and you are forced to check them.

Through personal experience, I am afraid to use the airlines to carry anything checked for me. The checked baggage system is rotten: my wife and I have both independently had things stolen from checked baggage (even medications); we have independently and more than once had bags lost and then found and returned--once weeks after returning from vacation; and the worst (initial) case--a bag stuffed with Christmas gifts for her entire family ripped off and gone for good. Now, we mail the stuff, or make the 10-hour drive (Madisonville/Sweetwater area)...

So, I *hope* that you don't end up having to check the bag, and then find you and your trip at the mercy of the honesty and competence of whomever (there is no accountability)...

Outhouse:

Chark's list of weekly specials includes the WFO bags I mentioned: they are the bottom two (of five) entries on the link.

Planet, I check Chark's deals weekly. I just wanted folk's opinion on which bags were best. I can't run down to the local tackle shop and look at them 1st hand, so I must rely on others to be my eyes and hands.

I have a soft sided bag with no problems but have not traveled with it. I do fly a lot due to my job and if you carry your reels with you in a normal size bag it will fit under the seat or the overhead. If not you can check it at the plane as you get on and it will be returned when you get off. My laptop has survived maybe 200 flights like this so dont worry about damage to your reels, but I dont check anything that cannot be replaced cheap as the airline will not cover it.

I got a couple of Cabela's reel bags which are built to take 8 reels, although depending on the reel sizes I can usually get more than number into them. The are a LOT cheaper than the WFO baGS and have suited my needs for a few season now. They have a small zippered pocket, for glasses, chapstick, finger tape, etc., on the outside and a larger mesh zippered pocket inside for line and misc. items. A terrific buy, if they still carry them.

Not exactly an old wive's tale, but close.
In the months right after 9/11, the airlines did indeed restrict line from carry-ons, but at the same time they also restricted almost everything else including fingernail clippers.
After about 6 months they lifted that restriction, and within about a year after 9/11 the Canadian and Mexican equivalents of the TSA did the same.
Actually it took the Canadians almost 2 years but that's another story.
There is also ONE GUY at the Loreto, Baja airport who refuses to believe the rule has been lifted, so luck of the draw if you are flying out of there.
Also, don't bother calling the airlines, they have no idea and it's not their decison anyway.
As one poster noted, the TSA actually makes the rules, and their website says you DO need to bring your expensive reels in your carry-on.
If you are nervous, print that page out and bring it with you.
Could the rules change in the future, yes of course [count on it if there's another attack], but I make at least 20 flights a year [40 boardings] with up to 10 reels in my carry-on, and they will at times open up to bag to inspect them, but this is usually by someone who asks if they are coffee makers or something like that.