THE LINK BELOW CONFIRMS THAT ALASKA AIR ALLOWS SOME OF YOUR TACKLE TO BE
CARRIED FREE IN ADDITION TO YOUR TWO CHECKED BAGS. I SUGGEST MAKING A
COPY OF IT AND CARRYING IT WITH YOU. ALSO CHECK AGAIN NEAR YOUR TRAVEL
TIME IN CASE THEY CHANGE THE RULES.
http://www.alaskaair.com/www2/help/faqs/SportRelatedItems.asp
BELOW IS THE TSA LINK THAT RECOMMENDS CARRYING YOUR REELS IN YOUR
CARRY-ON. READ THNE LAST PARAGRAPH TITLED "TACKLE EQUIPMENT." THE LAST
SENTENCE IS DEFINITIVE. I HAVE USED A COPY OF THIS PAGE IN MEXICO AND
HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1188.shtm