Anyone experience of problems? I am goiung through Hong Kong to NZ - there for a month - no felts, no natural materials for fly tying, all synthetics, fishing flies are fine (natural materials??!!). First problem - if I buy natuaral materils in NZ to tie flies - hare ear, pheasant tails etc - what happens when I go through customs in Vancouver BC - 8 days stealhead fishing on the Vedder and then onto San Francisco for 3 days (not fishing, probably visit Leyland fishing tackle shop). Am I going to have problems with customs in BC or America with any of my fishing gear, materials, flies, waders(Chile - you are not allowed to take in your fishing flies, very strict if they see them) or what about our country (CITES etc). Anyone any experience of problems? Very grateful for any advice.

I had no problems with customs in BC on a recent visit. They just asked where I was going and for how long. Never checked the tackle or asked about flies or fly tying materials.

Each country has their own rules, so you need to get on country-specific websites and find out what's allowed. I wouldn't put to much stock in who's "experienced problems" and who hasn't. Just because someone got away with something doesn't mean you will. Also, rules change and so has the rigorousness with which they are enforced. We used to get waved across the US/CAN boarder with hardly a glance, now they check everything, check the fuel in the tanks, and count every can of beer. Bottom line is find the rules and follow them to the letter.

I've traveled between the US and Canada 4 times by air in the past few years. In general, I'd say is it really necessary to buy and carry fly tying materials? I think you're just asking for trouble by doing this because customs are highly sensitive to illegal entry of animals and animal products for a long list of reasons. Why not just tie your flies at home and be done with it?

When flying into Canada, I've found they are very strict with their customs and they check and double check EVERYTHING. Have all your ducks in a row as far as knowing what's allowed and not allowed, makes sure your entry form is correct as far as dates and information.

With that said, I wouldn't volunteer extra information. For the purpose of your stay, say "holiday" or "fishing". Nothing says you need to single yourself out as a fly fisher and therefore leave yourself open to a border guard who thinks all fishing flies are made with feathers from endangered birds. You can alway give move information if asked.

I've never had a problem with fishing gear coming into Canada, but I have had my gear inspected so it would be to your benefit to clean everything thoroughly before traveling so everything is perfectly free of mud, sand, etc.

Coming from Canada to the US, it shouldn't be a problem, but again if you choose to carry feathers, fur, etc. you'd better know the rules and make sure you declare and have documentation as required. Again, I think it's asking for trouble to be carrying this stuff on multiple international flights, even if it is "allowed" it might cost you a lot of time and effort.

For the USA, remember that you'll need hard-copy proof of onward travel after your stay. Saying you have an eTicket isn't good enough, you need a paper copy that shows the confirmation and ticket numbers. I also believe that UK citizens now need to go through some kind of online process for permission to enter the USA before traveling. I'm not sure what this is, but look into it if you haven't already. For obvious reasons, US customs and immigration are not in a laughing mood these days, so make sure you have your shixt together.

BTW, I stayed about half a block from Leyland the last time I was in San Fran about a year ago. Overpriced and nothing special would be my assessment.

Kalafornia is, for all practical purposes, a third world country and because the state is bankrupt and they are desperate for every penny, they have outrageous VAT taxes with both the state and in SF the city also takes a cut. This is added on AT THE REGISTER, not included in the shelf price as they do with VAT in the UK. Beware.

The best way to shop in Kalaforniacation is to head to an address that starts with www. Buy online from any out-of-state website and have it shipped to your hotel via overnight or next day. Then it's tax free.

Grouse

Very useful - thanks - better to not take any natural material anywhere. If I take threads tinsels or any synthetics, I assume I will be alight. I can buy a veniard kit in NZ and just leave it there perhaps to someone who could find it useful. Since I am in NZ for a month and possibly in the middle of nowhere, fly-tying might be useful. It will be easier to buy my stealhead flies from the local tackle shop in BC (only 5 mins away in Chilliwack). Interesting about Leyland and thank you for that advice. The last thing I want is problems with customs. All my tackle will be in my luggage and unless someone opens the case, I won't look like a fisherman. Is it true I have to leave the case for the hold unlocked when going into USA? A recipe for stealing! Thanks for the above again.

Not exactly.

If you lock your case, it has to be with "TSA compliant" locks. These are small padlocks that the TSA security people can open using a master key. Which, of course, begs the question if there are all these master keys floating around out there. . . yeah. These are available at travel and discount stores in the US, which of course does you no good at least on the inbound flight.

Personally, I've never had anything stolen from luggage and I think adding locks just advertises your bag as containing something valuable and hence worth stealing.

Personally, I'd just avoid anything that advertises that there's fishing gear in your luggage. I've always thought that using fancy Simms or other bling-bling luggage was the fastest ticket to having your gear lifted.

Grouse

There will be no way anyone can work out that my luggage will be full of fishing tackle. It is a somewhat battered hard case antler which holds my 4 piece rods nicely. I have looked on the USA customs websites and Wild life and Fisheries. In theory an over zealous customs official could interpret some of the regulations to include fishing flies, although no direct mention is made anywhere to fishing flies especially if they could prove some of the fur/feathers comes from CITES birds and animals - complicated and I don't want to be the first to be made an example of! As you say, best to shut up. Thanks for the above again.