Fishing rods ready to get on the float plane in Mato Grosso Brazil

I’ve written extensively in the past about how to choose, pack and travel with a full-sized rod tube. While my preference would always be to use rods provided to me at my destination or sample from the variety of travel rods I’ve accumulated, sometimes that’s simply not feasible. Many times if you want to have the right tool when you get there, you’re going to need something that’ll hold one-piece rods.

Of course, the right tube for you for any given trip depends largely on a variety of factors:

What airline are you flying (different carriers have different maximum lengths)?
How many rods are you bringing?
Are there weight restrictions at any point en route to your destination (for example, on a float plane)?

I currently own three full-sized tubes (and paid retail in each case) and I’d recommend all of them. None of them is priced prohibitively. In fact, each one costs less than most of the rods that go inside of them, which I consider an inexpensive insurance policy. Furthermore, while I’ve had the airlines and TSA open them, I’ve not yet experienced any breakage -- for which I count myself fortunate – but I make no guarantees. Nevertheless, each has its own benefits and limitations. The following are my thoughts:

Tube: Plano Guide Series Jumbo Tube

Price: $129.99

Dimensions: Length 67-112”; Diameter 8.5” (also available in other sizes)

Pros: Tube is absolutely massive; will hold at least 15 rods; extends to over 9 feet; wheels help you steer it through long airport hauls; molded handle will not break off.

Cons: Twist on/off cap may be confusing for first-time users. I’ve had several situations where baggage handlers have not figured out how to put it back on.

I've taken the Plano Guide Series Tube to Mexico and Florida numerous times

Tube: Flambeau Bazuka Pro Rod Tube

Price: $104.49

Dimensions: Length 73-102”; Diameter 6” (also available in other sizes)

Pros: Easily holds rods over 8’; I’ve had up to 15 in it at once with no problems; molded handle will not break; latching system is easier than the Plano’s.

Cons: No wheels makes it tougher on long treks when carrying other luggage, or in a crowd.

The Flambeau Bazuka is exceptional for air travel

Tube: SKB Fishing Rod Pod

Price: $244.99, depending on retailer

Dimensions: Length 86” 4”x4”x4” triangular exterior (which I suppose makes it a travel “case” rather than a travel “tube”)

Pros: Virtually indestructible, you can drive a truck over it with no damage; triangular shape prevents it from rolling; padded foam ends reduce internal movement; sliding construction requires limited storage space.

Cons: Limited length precludes bringing rods over 7’2”, or more than about 7 total; sliding construction may be tricky for first-time users.

SKB Rod Pod two trips to the Brazilian Amazon fishing for peacock bass fits on the float plane

Of course, if none of these options appeal to you, there are others. Some traveling anglers make their own tubes out of high-quality PVC. This allows you a range of strengths and diameters, as well as infinitely customizable lengths. Online instructions are easy to find. The primary drawback is that these tubes may be very heavy. Additionally, they’ll require a certain amount of sweat equity to build one, more than pressing a button on Amazon or Tackle Warehouse.

There are other options, which I’ll list and picture below. All descriptors are based on web copy or reviews – I’ll refrain from posting pros and cons until I actually get to try them.

Tube: Nature Boy Designs “Bomb Proof” Custom Rod Tubes

Price: From $175

Dimensions: Infinitely customizable length; 4” diameter

These tubes have foam in the lid and bottom, along with a paracord handle. One unique aspect is that they’re available in some amazing fish patterns – won’t keep your rods safer, but they’ll make your tube distinguishable from all of the other mono-colored ones at baggage claim.

Nature Boy Designs rod tube with a trout scale finish bomb-proof

Tube: Pro X Inc. (Japan)

Price: 18000 yen (currently about $170)

Dimensions: Length 150-220cm (approx. 59-86”); depth and width about 4” and 9”, respectively

This is not a tube in the literal sense, but rather a case, with what appears to be ample high-quality foam to protect your rods. It is lightweight at 5.8 pounds, but likely will not hold as many rods as the larger tubes.

Pro X Rod Case from Japan for fishing airline travel

Tube: Sportube Series 2 Outdoorsman Guide Case

Price: $229.95

Dimensions: Length 48-83; depth and width 6” and 11”, respectively (smaller and larger sizes available)

Their Series 3 is even more massive, made for skis as well of rods. The website says that it “can fit up to 15 aluminum…rod tubes,” which implies that it can hold a ridiculous number of individual rods, but only up to 6 feet)