I'd be fairly comfortable with transporting almost anything in a genuine pelican case. If you pack it well, in the foam inserts, then nothing is going to happen, those things are made to be bomb-proof. I've travelled and checked pelican cases in for flights with some fairly delicate gear many times, and I've never had any issues.

 I normally put the spools down stairs in Check in and keep the reels in my hand luggage. Turns out fishing line is classed as a wepon

 Agreed,  a lot of airports won't let you take fishing line onto the plane in hand carry even if the airline has a policy saying that you can

I'm doing what Mattyb above suggested. I'm going to Rompin later this year.
Unfortunately have to check in my 7'6 nitro in a travel case.
If you're taking saltigas and tates I'd hand carry as much as you can and just put the spools in check-in. Fore me its more for fear of losing the luggage!

The only time I've been to South America (Chile), because there were so many connection flights, our luggage was lost. It arrived about 4 days later. So the other lesson I've now learnt is to pack a spare change of clothes jocks and socks and toothbrush in my hand luggage too. I've since heard numerous similar instances from friends travelling to South America. They're not as reliable...
Good luck and enjoy!

 Cheers guys,
I've never actually had any of my luggage go missing (touching wood right now) so fingers crossed I'm all good as my schedule is pretty tight. 
Yeh I'm aware of the line issue, apparently in Aus its up to the discretion of airport security, in CR they have flat out banned it and I've heard of people having to strip 300m of expensive braid of their reels before boarding.
I've also realised if I check in a pelican case it will take my total checked bags to 3 (including rod tube) so thats not ideal, will probably just get a new large backpack and take them as hand luggage.
Hopefully sails and roosters await!

Found this online...

Check or Carry-on
Fishing rods are permitted as carry-on and checked baggage; however, passengers should check
with the air carrier to confirm that the fishing rod fits within size limitations for carry-on items.
Sharp fishing tackle that may be considered dangerous, such as large fish hooks, should be
sheathed, securely wrapped, and packed in your checked luggage. Like other high-value objects,
you may wish to pack expensive reels or fragile tackle that does not pose a security threat (small
flies) in your carry-on baggage.
Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed
through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been
tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to
allow any items on the plane.