Weight loss for travelling Anglers

This is nerdy blog but who cares.  If you travel and fish then THIS STUFF MATTERS!!  These days not only have the cost of flights gone up but the airlines now take great pleasure in screwing you on luggage allowances.  If you want to sit by the pool and read a book that’s fine but if you are a traveling fly angler it can a nightmare. I spend hours weighing my luggage prior to a trip, fine tuning and jettisoning gear to hit the magic 20 or 25 KG limit.  My next trip is a short flight from Newquay to Cork in April. The allowance with Air South west is a pathetic 15 KG.  How the hell can you go on a fishing holiday and keep the weight down? 

4 KG dumped in an instant

 I have just been dragged kicking and screaming into town shopping, trust me it rarely happens . Its was a good thing as I finally put an idea into action. I have been considering ways to reduce my travel weight. I found the solution today. I now have a bag that will accommodate 4 piece fly rods. Its waterproof. Has straps on it that enable you to carry it like a rucksack. I saved 4 KG weight by ditching the luxury of wheels on my travel bag. http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/products.detail/code/65110070

Here are a few tips

• In the case of my next trip to Ireland. I am considering wearing waders and wading boots on the plane !
• Dump the wheelie bag and get the North face XL Base camp duffel = Save 4 KG
• Ditch all toiletries and purchase them either after check in, or at the end destination = saves 1-2 KG!
• Use your carry on allowance to the max. Often 7 – 12 KG . I carry my reels on board the plane. I have had a couple of close shaves as some airlines don’t like this. I often print out the airlines policy and exclusions and then ram the paper in their faces if the start to hassle me. I have pulled this one of countless times. I will come unstuck one day
• Try to sneak the laptop on as a separate item. When you get to the check in put your laptop on the floor

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