Bassmaster2k

Just wondering how folks get their rods etc. from Point A to Point B when the two points are connected by commercial airlines...particularly on the smaller planes (e.g., regional jets). It seems some/most/(all?) airlines have special exemptions for fishing equipment, but I've heard stories about rod cases being rejected as checked baggage at the airport...what are your experiences? Any tricks, workarounds, advice for the travelling bass fisherperson?

After much reading on these forums, I'm trying to best match my three reels and four rods for various presentations. And I need to pick up a 4th reel...maybe someone has a suggestion or two. Anyway, the rods: 7'11" H-XF 7' MH-glass 6'6" MH-F 6' M-glass And the reels, all baitcasters: 5.0:1 6.2:1 7.1:1 Here's what I'm thinking (application/rod/reel) swimbait...7'11" H-XF...6.2:1 (1-2 oz.) crankbait...7' MH-glass...5.0:1 (mostly deep divers) topwater...6' M-glass...7.1:1 (poppers and sticks) (the above in keeping with the idea of slower action for trebles and faster for single hooks) If I have it more-or-less right above, that leaves me with my 6'6" MH-F rod. Again, from the forum reading I've done that would seem to be a suitable rod for worm+spinnerbait. What speed reel would that team up with? Seems like the spinnerbait would want a slower reel (similar to a crankbait) while the worm may be best with a faster reel? Or maybe not... All comments/advice welcome. If you think I should mix it up a bit differently, say so! This equipment is primarily used for trips to El Salto/Mateos, so I'm trying to maximize the value of my investment (rather than the cost!) Thanks in advance,