You should be able to check them in without a problem. However, the length might be an issue. That is, you might run into an extra charge if they're full length one piece rods. All that depends on the airline though so you should call them. I'm going to attempt taking my fly rods as carry on, but they're collapsable into a 30" tube, so I'm going to ask to have them put in the hanger closet. I called US Air and they said no problem checking rods in, but I won't find out until I get to the airport if I can take them as carry on. They said this was because the government agencies handle that and not the airline. They did tell me that taking hooks as carry on is definitely out of the question though, and that they must be checked in.
Again, the best thing to do is to call your airline's customer service number and ask for baggage assistance or go to the airline's website and look for the baggage section.