HOW TO SELECT THE BEST WADING STAFF (A GUIDE’S VIEW)

While there aren’t many terrifying aspects of fly fishing, many anglers become nervous just thinking about wading. I learned the strength of water and that no fish was worth the danger of major harm the first time I stepped into the Boulder River in Montana.

As fishermen, we often fool ourselves into thinking we’re unbeatable. To fishermen’s relief, wading staff have greatly improved water safety.

Wading is usually necessary to reach pools and riffles. We must use all necessary measures to maintain our balance, since the farther we wade, the greater the danger we expose ourselves to. After my only fall, I decided to invest in a sturdy staff after experiencing the terrifying sensation of being dragged downstream without a means of escape.

DIFFERENT STYLES OF STAFF

As fly fishermen, we may choose from various wading staffs to find the one that best suits our requirements and preferences. A staff that is small enough to throw in a bag and hit the road on the way to the beach is what most people are looking for. As fly fishermen, we don’t need much, but there are several essentials we just must have while we’re out on the river!

Folding Staff

When folded, a folding fishing staff is only around fifteen inches long. Because it must collapse, these staff retain their structural integrity and do not shrink or lose their backbone. Although they are broader, you won’t notice the difference from a rod tube. You can carry it by sliding it into your vest’s or rucksack’s rear.

Collapsing

A collapsible wading staff is a great option if you’re short on storage space. Although they are long-lasting, the staff’s power is diminished when they must fold in on themselves.

If you won’t be wading into very forceful water, a collapsible staff should be more than plenty.

Fixed Length

The longest-lasting option is a staff with a predetermined length. There are no components that might degrade or break with use. A staff of fixed length is good if you are near water and anticipate getting into and out of bodies of water with strong currents and slippery bottoms.

You won’t feel like you’re carrying around anything too substantial since modern fixed-length staffs are lightweight. If the immobility isn’t a dealbreaker, the increased strength more than makes up for it.

Characteristics to Look For in a Wading Staff

Looking for a wading staff? Here are some things to think about before you buy! You want to be sure you’re getting the right one since they may get pricey.

Convenience

Convenience should rank first among all the factors to consider while buying. Consider your style, whether you want to fish from a car while driving down the river or trek for kilometers through difficult terrain.

A folding or collapsible staff is a good investment if you tend to get scratches from the underbrush when you exit your vehicle in the morning and return at the end of the day. The ability to use the wading staff is also underappreciated. As you enter the water, you’re armed with your rod, but you may not have an extra hand to use your staff.

Look for one that you can unfold with only one hand. Finding a staff that also has a carrying case is even better. An underappreciated advantage is the ability to slide it into the carrying bag as you exit the water and hike to your next destination.

These qualities may not be important to some. Knowing whether they are, however, is essential.

Sturdiness

Be sure your wading staff is sturdy if you like fishing in rapid water conditions with slippery rocks. The material used to make the stuff you buy will determine how sturdy it is.

Despite its sturdy construction, an aluminum-wading staff is surprisingly lightweight. Many wading staffs are aluminum, making them collapsible or foldable.

Composite is another common material for wading staffs. This is another expensive yet long-lasting material that is both lightweight and sturdy. Try a composite staff if you have more than $100 to spend. Along with them, they will fold and collapse. Investing in a robust crew may be important, depending on where you fish.

Wood is the last substance you’ll come across. Traditional wading staffs, which are hefty yet long-lasting, are these. Also, they appear quite retro. Wood wading staffs are used by traditional fishermen, although it’s not necessary to use one until absolutely necessary. There are more efficient staff that can do the same or even better job.