Fishing Hooks / Tackle
Small fishing hooks and lures are generally fine in carry-on, but larger or barbed hooks should go in checked baggage.
Carry-on
Allowed with conditions
Checked
Allowed
Carry-on details
Allowed with conditions. Small fishing hooks, flies, and lures are generally permitted in carry-on bags — TSA doesn't treat them as a security threat the way it treats knives. Larger hooks, treble hooks, or anything you'd genuinely call sharp or dangerous should go in checked baggage instead, securely wrapped so they don't cut anyone or snag on other items.
Checked-bag details
Allowed. Fishing hooks and tackle of any size can go in checked baggage. Wrap hooks or pack them in a hard tackle box so they don't injure baggage handlers or damage your other belongings.
Special instructions
There's no official size cutoff published by TSA, but many experienced anglers use hook size 3/0 as the practical dividing line — smaller hooks and flies in carry-on, larger or treble hooks checked. When in doubt, or if a screener flags it, checked baggage is the safe choice.
Related rules
FAQ
- Can I bring fishing hooks in my carry-on?
- Small hooks, flies, and lures are usually fine in carry-on. Larger or treble hooks that could be considered dangerous are safer in checked baggage, securely wrapped.
- Do I need to declare fishing gear at TSA screening?
- No formal declaration is needed, but keep tackle organized and visible in a case so screeners can quickly see what it is if your bag gets a secondary check.
Related items
Source: TSA — What Can I Bring? · Last verified: 2026-07-30
Final decision rests with the security officer at the checkpoint.