Wading Staff for Salt

[ifsteve]

Did a search and didn't really find anything.

Headed to French Polynesia in March and will be wading the outer flats and reed edges a fair bit. Given that my balance isn't the greatest anymore I will be taking a wading staff. I took one last fall when I went to Jurassic and it made a huge difference scrambling around the rocks.

My current one is really old, the cork grip has been shredded, and it doesn't fold up very well anymore. So looking for input on what y'all are using these days.

TIA

Steve

 

[Pink Squirrel]

I have for decades used the old Falstaf wading staff and cursed it most of that time. It is sturdy and the elastic cord has survived all those years. It’s frustrating weakness is that the sections can be a bear to separate even when you keep them waxed. For better or worse that company is no more. Hardline has a very similar staff that seems to keep all the advantages including strength and ease of assembly but had plastic sleeves that (according to their propaganda) prevents the sticking problem. Trident fly shop has them on sale right now for $50 which seems like a good deal.
David

 

[Josh]

Can't advise on the salt aspect, because I mostly fish freshwater. But I've been using a set of Black Diamond Distance Z foldable trekking poles for a few years now. I have the cheaper aluminum version, though carbon is available. I bought the adjustable length version since I figured that would be handy for wading in various depths as well as using as normal trekking poles on the trail. Plus, you get two for the price. I bought mine at Amazon, but REI and most decent outdoor stores have them.

 

[ifsteve]

I have for decades used the old Falstaf wading staff and cursed it most of that time. It is sturdy and the elastic cord has survived all those years. It’s frustrating weakness is that the sections can be a bear to separate even when you keep them waxed. For better or worse that company is no more. Hardline has a very similar staff that seems to keep all the advantages including strength and ease of assembly but had plastic sleeves that (according to their propaganda) prevents the sticking problem. Trident fly shop has them on sale right now for $50 which seems like a good deal.
David

I should have mentioned that one of my major complaints with my current pole is like you said. its a PITA to get it apart when I have been using it. Stupid.

 

[fatbillybob]

I have for decades used the old Falstaf wading staff and cursed it most of that time. It is sturdy and the elastic cord has survived all those years. It’s frustrating weakness is that the sections can be a bear to separate even when you keep them waxed. For better or worse that company is no more. Hardline has a very similar staff that seems to keep all the advantages including strength and ease of assembly but had plastic sleeves that (according to their propaganda) prevents the sticking problem. Trident fly shop has them on sale right now for $50 which seems like a good deal.
David

Folstaff trick is the metal is super strong... Just bang near (but not on) the connection point on a rock and the tap breaks the seal and it comes off with ease. Still stuck bang a little harder. Herkileez staff is excellent and comes custom sizes and does not tick like folstaff. It is heavier and stronger and does not deflect as much in current as folstaff. I like them both.

I don't use nippers anymore but pliers for everything. These can clip 6x tippet on a 22 hook if I need to but I rarely fish with or for small stuff. I had my plier pouch sewed onto the folstaff holster by the local shoe repair. This keeps both very handly and the staff out of the way when I don't need it.