Wading Staff

[Mark Hanes]

So I am going though my competition gear checklist and the a wading staff is one of the next things I need to purchase.  What are you guys using?  I was thinking of getting a couple of cheaper Ski Poles that way I have a back up but I wanted to see if anyone on here has some suggestions or preferences. 

Thanks in advance!

[Jeremiah Hamilton]

LOL when you come this fall for the Provincials get a wooden hockey stick handle. You can jam in between rocks and pull your self though the current. The Diable River will destroy you average wading staff. Collapsible/Wading Staff i find the best they are small and easy to take out, but I don't use it much.

[Todd Oishi]

I am a firm believer in using a collapsible wading staff, as it is always there in the event that you need it, and it is out of the way when you don’t (it stores into a compact holster that attaches to the wading belt, that can be swung to your backside). The wading staff will most certainly afford you the ability to access and hold your ground in faster water - where the fish are often found. Just be sure to lube the joints, so it can be quickly and effortlessly assembled and disassembled with only one hand...

A stick of sorts or a ski pole will work in a pinch, but they are very cumbersome and can get in the way as the current sweeps it sideways and cause it to lie on the water’s surface. They can also get stuck in the river’s bottom or caught on branches as you scramble along the bank....

I sincerely believe that several of the sessions that I had won or done well at, during past competitions, was due largely to the fact that I was able to confidently and effectively cover water that other competitors simply couldn’t cover or access – for situations such as this, the wading staff made a world of difference for me (IMHO).

Here’s the one that I have used for the past six years without any issues what-so-ever (very reliable and durable):



Here’s a link to the page on Cabelas’ website for more information: http://www.cabelas.com/p-0029718317967a.shtml

[Reid Bacon]

I have used the simms collapsible for years and it has held up great. It looks like I provoked alligators with it but it is sturdy as the day I got it. The sheath that it comes with could use some work for quicker storage but the retractable tether is nice. I like Todd's pouch much better for storage.

[Chris Smorul]

Go to your local hardware store and get a heavy duty pushbroom handle.  Then go to the local pharmacy for a rubber piece used on the bottom of a cane.  Put it on the end of the broom handle.  Now all you need is a long heavy duty boot lace to tie to the staff and a carabiner to attach it to your wading belt.

[Tim Barrett]

     Your staff doesn't need to be fancy. I have on that I made from some Ash-although I do like the colapsable types. If you are a hardcore wader, DON"T USE SKI POLES. Fiberglass Ski poles will shatter if you happen to fall on them. Aluminium poles may bend on you. I would suggest a good quality one that is intended for wading and jamming between rocks.
     

[Warren Weglinski]

What do you think of the noise that is made from the staff when poking in the rocks?
Dose it spook the fish?
I have a Folestaf that has a heavy layer of tape on the lower shaft to soften the noise from the contact to the alum. tubing. The carbide point is exposed.
I think this helps some.
Warren

[John Gordon]

Simms wading staff.  http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/wading_staff.html

Hope this helps,
John G.

[Todd Oishi]

What do you think of the noise that is made from the staff when poking in the rocks?
Dose it spook the fish?

My personal belief is that - much like studded boots - the sound and commotion that is created while falling into the water, will surely disturb a greater number of fish than the sounds of proper wading devices. But with that being said; there is a right time and place for everything...