Troutnut.com Fly Fishing for Trout Home
User Password
or register.
Scientific name search:

> > Wading Staff suggestions?



NMiAnglerMarch 2nd, 2020, 3:16 pm
MI

Posts: 1
I have never used a wading staff but am getting up in my years (just turned 60 this past fall) and I think that one might not be a bad idea. I've never used one and am not sure what to purchase. I've looked online and there are way too many options and they all seem to have positive reviews. Prices range from low to high but I was wondering if anyone could suggest what has been a good purchase for them...
Bamboo, graphite, whatever...
WbranchMarch 2nd, 2020, 4:28 pm
York & Starlight PA

Posts: 2733
Big name wading staffs from Orvis, Sims, etc are very pricey and won't do a better job of assisting your ingress to the river and your negotiating a boulder strewn river. I think I spent no more than $25 for mine on Ebay. It is of four section construction connected with about 1.5" ferrule engagement and all held together with an internal bungee cord.

They are so cheap you could buy two and still save $75. The handle is that foam material you often see on low end spinning rods. They is a scabbard and stretch leash that clips to the scabbard. This is the staff I have. It costs $27.00.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wading-Staff-with-Lanyard-54-Collapsible-Walking-Stick-Wading-Staff-ship-fast/323962897740?hash=item4b6db1854c:g:ucAAAOSwabhUYd1y

This is the same staff but free shipping.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/54-Folding-Aluminum-Fly-Fishing-Wading-Staff-w-Lanyard-and-Case/232460845678?_trkparms=aid%3D555021%26algo%3DPL.SIMRVI%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20190711100440%26meid%3Da473968e9b5446a98dd79a40acb7cec6%26pid%3D100752%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D11%26mehot%3Dpf%26sd%3D323962897740%26itm%3D232460845678%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplRVIAMLv5WebWithPLRVIOnTopCombiner&_trksid=p2047675.c100752.m198
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.
Brian314March 8th, 2020, 4:26 am
Fenton, MI.

Posts: 51
If I could do it over I wouldn't get a collapsible one.
I find that mine works fine w a rocky/gravelly bottom but if I get it stuck in muck it comes apart as it is stretched while trying to pull it out - then it's even harder to work free.
WbranchMarch 8th, 2020, 6:03 am
York & Starlight PA

Posts: 2733
Yes, I agree if you are wading a soft bottom the staff will plunge deep into the muck and it is difficult to get out. However I would never want to give up the option of the multiple sections in favor of a solid shaft. How do you get it on a plane?
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.
Brian314March 15th, 2020, 12:43 am
Fenton, MI.

Posts: 51
LOL - good point :-)
Gene_PAMarch 15th, 2020, 11:05 am
Lebanon, PA

Posts: 6
My problem is being only 5’-3” tall a 54" Wading Staff would come up to about my shoulder. I need to find one that is adjustable and collapsible, that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
AfishinadoMarch 16th, 2020, 6:14 am
SE PA

Posts: 76
I'm also "vertically challenged!"......:-)

I've been using this Orvis wading staff (linked below) for quite a few years now.

It is adjustable for length from 47" - 55".

No coming apart in mud since the segments lock into place when deployed.

It folds up into a provided neoprene sheath and stays out of the way while hanging from your wading belt.

It is attached to a heavy-weight zinger which keeps it by your side in the water when using it.

It's made by Black Diamond for Orvis which manufactures quality ski poles and walking sticks for the outdoor use.

I give this item an A+ rating after using it for years.

Hope this helps (us short people have to stick together :-)

https://www.orvis.com/p/black-diamond-z-pole-wading-staff/4P4R?item_code=4P4R0000&adv=127748&cm_mmc=plas-_-FlyFishing-_-4P4R-_-127748&gclid=Cj0KCQjwx7zzBRCcARIsABPRscOWzDA1yMhbv02r0jWeax2VtfkQFUnKT-Uh3Ko3YYB-l8rwN_cA_tgaAnrdEALw_wcB

Gene_PAMarch 16th, 2020, 11:49 am
Lebanon, PA

Posts: 6
Thank you I just ordered a Black Diamond from REI as they were on sale.
Brian314April 16th, 2020, 4:23 am
Fenton, MI.

Posts: 51
Oh that's MUCH nicer than the one I have :-)
DerekApril 18th, 2020, 7:00 am
Boone NC

Posts: 1
I use a netstaff. It is very sturdy with a large net and good extension with a fold out hook for lowering branches when that fly line just gets away from you and those nymphs become wedged under the rocks. I have saved numerous flies and waded very swift water with success with this staff. Hope this is helpful.
light line & big trout
WbranchApril 20th, 2020, 3:42 pm
York & Starlight PA

Posts: 2733
The Netstaff is very nice but quite expensive at $150.00. My wading staff is collapsible, has a lanyard, and a neoprene sheath and cost $24.00. My net for steelhead is a Frabill and cost $25.00.
Catskill fly fisher for fifty-five years.
Hunter1April 22nd, 2020, 4:44 am
Maryland

Posts: 31
I use a Foldstaff, so far so good.
RbdjrJune 3rd, 2020, 5:44 pm
New Jersey

Posts: 1
on a budget, I have one of these works well believe it or not, wish was a hair longer, mine is about 9 years old, helps getting fly's unhooked under water and in trees also, they use to sell on Ebay but now on this site.

http://captainbobsfishingtackle.com/product/rugged-tackle-wading-staff/

Quick Reply

You have to be logged in to post on the forum. It's this easy:
Username:          Email:

Password:    Confirm Password:

I am at least 13 years old and agree to the rules.

Related Discussions

TitleRepliesLast Reply
Re: Boots
In Gear Talk by Brianbf
1May 27, 2018
by Jmd123
Re: Lost Rod, Great Find
In Gear Talk by Delablobbo
1Sep 23, 2009
by Martinlf
Re: Connecticut
In Fishing Reports by Mcjames
1Jan 29, 2008
by MikeA
Re: Lost my Brodin net - Ugh!
In General Discussion by Wbranch
5Apr 22, 2017
by Wbranch
Re: caddis flies
In Brachycentrus appalachia Caddisfly Adult by Flytyer0423
2Aug 11, 2009
by GONZO
Re: Large calves and thighs. HIP WADERS DONT FIT
In Gear Talk by SumoLumo
7Jan 6, 2019
by Tln1313
should've worn spikes but a beautiful river anyway!
In Fishing Reports by Roguerat
0
Re: Bird Dogs,Bird Hunting and Flyfishing Who Needs Anything More?
In General Discussion by Flyfisher06
8Jul 25, 2009
by Flyfisher06
Re: Fly Fishing Survey
In Gear Talk by Sup3rfly
8Oct 14, 2016
by PABrownie
Re: Sage Rod ID
In the Photography Board by Jebatty
2Jan 26, 2017
by Jmd123