Airport Security and Travel Rods

I'm planning on taking a trip in '04 to do some fly fishing, and I was
wanting to get a good 4 pc. rod for that and future trips. However,
with airport security being what it is these days, I did not know if
it is permissible to carry-on your fly rod. I would not want to have
to check it, as it would be too expensive an item to just get lost in
the luggage abyss. Has anyone had experience this year with fly rods,
reels, and other fly fishing gear as carry-ons and airport security?
Are policies consistent from airport to airport, or are they hit and
miss? Thanks for any help.

Robert Brinson