Washington ( CNN ) -- Scuba divers , take note : Please leave your spear guns at home , or place them in your checked luggage . But do not try to bring them on a plane . A passenger at a New York-area airport learned that lesson the hard way last week when a TSA screener discovered a 21-inch spear gun and a utility knife in a carry-on bag . The passenger arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport ticketed to fly to Antigua . After his weapons were detected , the TSA contacted local law enforcement , who questioned the passenger , said TSA spokesman Kawika Riley . The passenger claimed to be unaware that the weapons were prohibited , the TSA said . There was no impact on airport operations . `` Just to be clear , passengers should not attempt to bring a spear gun as a carry-on item . The same rule holds for utility knifes , '' Riley said . Spear guns are specifically prohibited in carry-on bags . On the TSA web site , they are listed under prohibited sports goods , which include baseball bats , ski poles , and bows and arrows . The TSA said most passengers who carry prohibited items do so without ill intent , but said officers have a responsibility to prevent weapons from getting through the checkpoint . In the week since the spear gun was found , the TSA says it has found 24 loaded and four unloaded firearms in carry-on baggage . CNN 's Mike M. Ahlers contributed to this report .
TSA recovers a spear gun and utlity knife from passengers flying to Mexico . Spear guns are among the sports items prohibited from carry - on luggage . Most passengers who carry prohibited items do so without ill intent , TSA says .