Traveled to AK with several 4pc rods back in August, as my carryon. Flew American & Alaskan with no issues whatsoever.
Alaskan has a special exclusion for carry-on rods, forgiving excess length charges. Easy to find in their website as you should be firm on the details.
As I booked the entire flight via Alaskan, the American flights honored Alaskan policy.

Imagine your grave on a windy winter night. You've been dead for 70 years.
It's been 50 since a visitor last paused at your tombstone.....
Now explain why you're in a pissy mood today.