10 Best Wading Staffs – Comparison & Reviews

 

The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Wading Staff + Reviews

 

If what you need to find is the best wading staff then you surely know that there are many products available in this category and assessing each one’s benefits is a time-consuming activity. The good news is that we are here to lend a helping hand in this matter, and after carefully going through a lot of information about these products, you can find the answer you need right in this paragraph. Our team concluded that the unit you should keep in mind as a first option is Hammers’ Collapsible Wading Staff Fishing Stick. Besides the fact that this is an affordable alternative, it’s also a sturdy one thanks to its aluminum construction. The long EVA handle makes it easy to handle, even in wet conditions, while the carbide-steel tip is highly effective on all sorts of terrains and on slippery rocks. In case this particular model is, for some reason, unavailable in your area, the alternative to consider is MOJO’s Outdoors HW2201 Mojo Wading Pole.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Wading Staffs (Updated Reviews) in 2023

 

 

We know that looking for the best wading staff for fly fishing can be an overwhelming task, as there are so many products that could become part of your gear. The good news is that we’re here to help and, in the next selection, you’ll find extensive reviews of the most sought-after units available on the market.

 

 

1. Hammers Collapsible Wading Staff Fishing Stick 

 

This product offered by Hammers is an affordable wading staff that is surely going to make your life easier, given that you’ll enjoy greater stability and that you can rely on it in all kinds of situations. No matter if you need to climb river banks or fish in swift water, this unit is sturdily built, so you’ll get the necessary added support.

What you will surely like about this wading staff is the fact that it’s made of aluminum alloy, which means that it’s lightweight, so you won’t be hindered when carrying it. The ¾-inch tubing can also be folded down to 12”, while the matte black finish makes this unit a very nice and elegant addition to your gear.

The wading staff is delivered with a convenient nylon belt pouch and it features a double-shock corded spring action that allows the user to easily operate it single-handedly.

Pros

Thanks to its intuitive design, you won’t waste valuable seconds during your outdoor trips trying to unfold the wading staff.

The unit will remain close to you thanks to the nylon lanyard that also features an easy-to-operate carabiner when you don’t need to use the staff.

Given that the long EVA handle features a nylon band strap as well, you won’t have any trouble getting a secure grip when you need to.

The end tip is made of carbide steel, so it does a very good job of keeping you steady and stable even on slippery rocks.

Cons

Depending on the conditions in which it’s being used, the wading staff can get caught between rocks, and that’s when you need to pay attention as you remove it.

The carrying bag could be improved as well, as after a while you might decide to get a new one.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

2. MOJO Outdoors HW2201 Mojo Wading Pole 

 

We know that you might be tired of stumbling on objects you cannot see in the water, so if you are looking for a cheap wading staff that can help you in this matter every time you need it, you should take a look at this MOJO unit.

What makes this fishing wading staff stand apart from other similar items is the specially designed tip that ensures the necessary support without getting stuck in the mud. Furthermore, the unit is also lightweight and easy to handle, while its length can be adjusted between 42” and 60”, which makes it suitable for users of various heights.

You might also be happy to know that this MOJO wading pole is designed to float in water, so there’s very little risk of losing it, in case you accidentally drop it as you are crossing a stream. All in all, this is a useful and handy product.

Pros

In case you have accidentally lost a wading staff in the past by dropping it in the water, this one comes with a special construction that prevents this, given that it floats.

You’ll surely enjoy the lightweight design that makes this pole easy to handle and carry around, as you need to when you are outdoors.

Thanks to the adjustable length, more users of different heights can enjoy its benefits.

The specially designed tip that doesn’t get stuck in mud is a very useful addition to this unit, and one that will definitely make your life easier when you are using it.

Cons

The tip comes in a bright orange color so you can easily spot it in the water, but if you don’t really like it, you can paint over it.

The pole’s moving part, the locking lever, might need to have the screw a bit tightened before using it for the first time.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

3. Folstaf Company F34A Wading Staff 

 

In this wading staff review, we’re going to take a closer look at this Folstaf unit, given that it features a handy design and high-quality construction, which are just two of the attributes that make it a fine addition to an angler’s gear.

The first thing you should know about this unit is that it features aircraft-grade aluminum tubing, so you shouldn’t really worry about its durability and sturdiness. Moreover, the manufacturer took the user’s comfort into account, and created a wading staff that can be instantly opened using just one hand.

This will surely make your entire experience better and safer, as you won’t have to waste time when you need to use the pole. The F34A wading staff is available in three different lengths, namely 41, 51, and 59 inches, so make sure that you choose the right one for your height.

Pros

The fact that this unit comes with swage and flare joints means that you’ll be able to rely on added stability, which is always what anglers are after when getting a high-quality staff.

This Folstaf unit can be folded down to just 10”, so you won’t be hindered in any way if you need to carry it around.

Thanks to the tough nylon lanyard included in its construction, the item will remain securely close to you when you don’t need to use it.

Given that spending time in nature means that you need to carry many things with you at the same time, you’ll surely be relieved to know that this pole weighs under 15oz.

Cons

The sections might start to lock together too tightly after a while, but you can use paraffin wax or another lubricant to get them to work smoothly again.

This is not necessarily one of the most affordable such products on the market.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

4. Creative Angler Zephr Wading Staff for hiking or fishing 

 

This wading staff offered by Creative Angler is a very nice alternative, if you want to find a reliable product that doesn’t cost a fortune either. First of all, the pole can be folded down, so you won’t have any trouble finding a spot for it within your gear bag. Secondly, it can extend up to 56 inches in length, so a taller user can enjoy its benefits as well.

In case you are wondering how much weight this pole can support, the good news is that it goes all the way up to 250 pounds. This says a lot about the quality of its construction, as well as about the sturdy materials the manufacturer uses.

Therefore, you don’t need to worry about pretty much anything when it comes to the stability this unit can ensure. If you decide to try this wading staff out on your own, there’s a very high chance that you won’t be disappointed by its performance.

Pros

The user’s comfort was taken into account by the manufacturer when designing this unit, so the staff’s joints firmly lock into the right position using just one hand.

In case you are scared that you might lose the wading staff by accidentally dropping it in the water, you should know that it does float for a little bit.

A storage pouch is delivered with the wading staff as well, so this is one thing less that you need to worry about.

This unit is easy to carry, use, and store, so it won’t become a burden if you decide to give it a try.

Cons

The pole’s length is fixed, which means that you won’t be able to adjust it so that more people can use the same wading staff.

It can get stuck in the mud, so if this happens, you need to pay attention as you remove it.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

5. FROGG TOGGS High Water Wading Staff 

 

You might be going through wading staff reviews looking for a unit that you can safely use in a wide range of situations, and if that’s the case then this FROGG TOGGS one deserved a closer look. The first aspect worth noting about it is that it features adjustable height, which means that different fishermen can use it without any problem.

Its length varies between 40 and 52 inches, while the quick locking construction means that you’ll promptly have the support you need as you are walking on muddy grounds. Furthermore, thanks to the aluminum frame, this is a sturdy yet lightweight wading staff.

It’s true that things can easily get out of hand as you are crossing a stream of water, so if you are thinking that you might accidentally lose the pole, you should know that it comes with a cork handle, as well as with a wrist strap to prevent this from happening.

Pros

This unit’s construction features aluminum as the main material, so you’ll be able to rely on it but it won’t become a burden, given that it weighs as little as 0.6 pounds.

Thanks to the collapsible design, the pole can be folded down to 16.5 inches, meaning that you’ll be able to easily carry it around.

Along the same lines, you should also know that this wading staff comes with a convenient nylon storage bag that can be used to transport or store it.

The speed locking feature makes the staff easy to use in a few seconds, while the cork handle is definitely useful in preventing any accidental loss.

Cons

This is a sturdy staff, but you still need to pay attention if you intend to cross fast rivers with its help.

The item at the end might come off so you may need to glue it somehow.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

6. Orvis 2T47-0151 Sure Step Folding Wading Staff 

 

In case you are in the market for a fly fishing wading staff that can get the job done without too much hassle, this Orvis unit might be just what you’ve been looking for. Made of aluminum, you can be sure that this product is sturdy enough to ensure the necessary support, yet lightweight so you won’t be burdened as you carry it around.

Fast current or slippery rocks are no longer going to be a problem, and the wading pole is also very easy to use. There’s an interior double-shock cord included, so assembling it is a breeze.

Furthermore, you will also note that the easy-grip handle is specially designed to ensure a firm grasp, so you don’t need to worry that you might accidentally drop it in the water. This feature is especially important as your hand is going to get wet while you are crossing a stream.

Pros

The unit’s tip sticks are made of carbide, so the wading staff sticks firmly to boulders or slick rocks, which means that you’ll remain stable even in high water or tough terrains.

The manufacturer also included a highly useful and convenient leather carrying case, so transporting the staff is not going to be a problem.

Moreover, given that this is a foldable unit, you will be able to take it with you wherever your outdoor trips might take you.

Thanks to the easy-grip cork handle, you will be able to have a firm grasp, but also the wading staff will float for a bit, so there’s little chance of losing it.

Cons

This unit doesn’t feature an adjustable height, so if more people are planning to use it separately, this is something you need to be aware of.

Make sure that if you are crossing a fast river you take all the precautionary measures for your safety.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

7. M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Folding Wading Staff 

 

You might be looking at fishing wading staff reviews because you need to find a handy product that will make your life a lot easier, so if this is what you are after, you should definitely see what this M MAXIMUMCATCH unit has to offer.

The first thing you should know is that this is a foldable wading pole, so there is not going to be any problem if you need to carry it for long distances. Furthermore, given that it can be folded down to 13.6”, it can fit into pretty much any fishing gear bag, making things a lot easier from this point of view.

In terms of length, the wading staff stands at 55” and this is not adjustable, so keep this in mind to make sure that it is a suitable alternative for your needs. The manufacturer created a comfortable product that ensures the necessary support, so it’s one you should try out.

Pros

Thanks to the non-slip rubber handle, this wading staff is easy to handle, while the adjustable strap allows you to customize this aspect in case it’s necessary.

Given that the staff is made of aluminum, you will enjoy both reliability and sturdiness within the same product, which is very important for any fisherman.

The wire connector is specially made of stainless steel and features a rubber coating, to be strong and durable, but also protected against elements.

The fact that this model comes with a built-in belt loop and a neoprene sheath allows the user to attach it to a bag or vest and keep it within reach at any given point.

Cons

The pole’s end might get stuck in the mud, so you need to be careful as you remove it in case this happens.

It might be a bit heavier than other alternatives on the market, but it’s also sturdy.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

8. Kingfisher 54″ Wading Staff 

 

This Kingfisher wading staff is specially made to meet the needs of fishermen who have to safely cross streams on their outdoor adventures. The first thing to keep in mind about this unit is that it features a 54” length which is not adjustable. If more people want to use the staff, this might not be possible, depending on their heights, but if you buy it for yourself, it’s a great choice.

Kingfisher also included a convenient and sturdy neoprene storage case for this product, so you won’t have to spend additional money on this item. If you plan to transport it or store it and you want to keep it safe in the process, the case is definitely going to come in handy.

In case you have any questions on its durability, you should know that the wading staff is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes it both sturdy and lightweight.

Pros

Thanks to its intuitive construction, this model can be opened and operated with one hand, so you don’t waste time as you are wading in the stream.

The heavy-duty double-bungee cord it features makes opening and collapsing it an easy task.

When folded, the staff measures 15” while its circumference is of ⅝”, which means that you can easily fit it in a bag.

Given that the strong and pointed tip is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, it does a very good job of ensuring support when you are walking on slippery rocks or muddy terrain.

Cons

The pole does have some flex in fast water, so make sure that you take all the necessary measures if you intend to cross such a river.

The pointed tip scratches the bottom of the water making some sound, so you might not be able to sneak up on something.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

9. Orvis Sure Step Folding Wading Staff 

 

If you need to safely and confidently fish in high water, this Orvis unit is the one you should set your eyes on. Thanks to its design and construction, it keeps the user balanced in various situations, but it doesn’t become a burden in the process. The staff is made of aluminum, so you can expect a sturdy yet lightweight product.

In terms of construction, it features sections that can be easily unfolded and locked into place for quick and secure support. The fact that it comes with a foldable design makes this unit one that you can take with you everywhere you go.

Furthermore, the carbide tip is designed to successfully face the terrain you are stepping on, so you can rely on its durability and effectiveness. Once you feel that you are going to need support, this staff can be unfolded in a matter of seconds to save valuable time.

Pros

The double-shock cord construction makes this staff one that can be unfolded right away, so you can be sure that you are going to remain safe as you are wading in the water.

Thanks to the easy-grip handle, the user has a firm grasp for extra safety and comfort, and this is always important as you are fishing.

The carbide tip is strong and durable, so you won’t have any problem as you are using the wading staff.

Given that this unit is made of aluminum, you will enjoy a strong and sturdy, yet lightweight addition to your fishing gear.

Cons

In case the wading staff is not delivered with all the items, you can always contact the seller for assistance.

If you need to get into fast water, make sure that you carefully do this, as the situation might become dangerous even with a reliable wading staff such as this one.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

10. Orvis Ripcord Wading Staff 

 

Another very nice product that you can add to your fishing gear is this Orvis wading staff. The company is known for the quality of the products it offers, so if you are sure that this is the item you need, you shouldn’t hesitate to give it a go.

If you are wondering what sets this unit apart from other similar ones, the answer is the design that was, in fact, adapted from avalanche technology. Therefore, the result is an easy-to-use staff that has all the necessary features to prevent wading risks. Its construction features four sections that can be assembled in a matter of seconds for extra safety and convenience.

Furthermore, it’s made of 7075 aluminum, which makes it both lightweight and strong, while the kernmantle climbing cord doesn’t absorb moisture, meaning that it’s reliable at any given moment. This fine wading staff is not one that you want to miss out on.

Pros

The wading staff is delivered with various accessories, including a fly retrieval hook tip, a Delrin tip, as well as a tip-removal tool, so you won’t have to buy these separately.

Thanks to the non-slip EVA foam grip, the staff is easy to handle, and the user enjoys a firm grasp that also means added safety.

You will also find the neoprene sheath it comes with very useful, given that it makes the tool easy to attach to a belt or a vest.

When collapsed, the wading staff measures 18 ½” which means that you shouldn’t have trouble fitting it into a bag or backpack.

Cons

This is not necessarily the most affordable alternative in this line, but the high-quality construction it offers is worth the cost.

At 18” when folded, this product is slightly longer than other ones on the market, but this shouldn’t be a real issue.

Buy from Amazon.com

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

We know that when you are still rather new to using such a device, even the best wading staff reviews might not shed light on what you should be looking for as you are getting ready to purchase a new product. Therefore, this guide is here to clarify some aspects and point out the main characteristics you should be looking for in a wading staff.

 

 

Design

The first thing you should ask yourself is whether you need a telescopic or a foldable unit. The answer depends on how you are going to use it. If you plan on carrying it around for longer periods, then a foldable model would be a better option.

Telescopic staffs are generally sturdier, as well as more versatile. They come with certain features such as height adjustments and they can be used for a wide range of other outdoor activities, such as hiking. However, they are heavier and they do take longer to set up.

Their foldable counterparts are extremely convenient given that they are compact, but they can be used mainly for wading in water streams. These units feature an interior bungee and multiple sections, so setting them up can be done in an instant and using only one hand. They are the right choice when you need support and you need it right away.

Furthermore, foldable wading staffs are also extremely lightweight and can usually fit into a pocket or a small bag. On the other hand, they cannot be used as hiking poles and their height cannot be adjusted. Therefore, foldable staffs are the right solution for anglers who simply need a little stability as they are fishing.

 

Price

Wading staffs can come at various prices and the range is rather wide. You can get such a unit starting from $20, but high-end ones can cost as much as $100 or even $200, depending on the features they include. Of course, if you get one of the cheaper alternatives, you can rely on a bit of support, but these might not last in the long run.

On the other hand, you shouldn’t think that you need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a good unit. Within this range, there are plenty of alternatives that are both affordable and effective and which have positive fly fishing wading staff reviews.

The most important thing when choosing such a unit is making sure that it’s sturdy and that it can sustain the user’s weight, especially if it’s going to be used in fast water.

 

Comfort

A wading staff should make your life easier, which is why you need to look for models that come with particular features to ensure your comfort. One example is the handle which should be made of rubber in order to ensure a firm grip.

The staff’s tip is also important, because it will need to face rough terrain. While most models can sometimes get stuck between rocks, a tip made of metal might also make some noise that can scare the catch away. The tip needs to be sturdily made, but if you notice that it makes too much noise, then you should ask the seller for details on how to fix this issue.

Last but not least, a wading staff should include wrist straps to secure it while you are using it. Currents can be tricky, so you don’t want to run the risk of losing the unit if you are taken by surprise at any given point. However, if this happens, you can always go for a model that floats, so you can quickly retrieve it.

 

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Q: What is a wading staff?

A wading staff is a useful piece of equipment that fishermen use to remain stable as they are fishing in water streams. It’s actually a very important safety measure, so if you don’t already own one, you should definitely consider adding this to your backpack. It works pretty much like a walking stick, but the tip is strong and pointy to keep you safe as you are walking in the mud.

Some people choose to use a stick to get the job done, but if you really want to ensure your own safety (which is something that you should always do) then going for a unit specially designed to get the job done is the recommended solution.

Wading staffs are also foldable and easy to carry around, and they usually come with built-in systems that allow the user to set them up right away.

 

 

Q: How do I use a wading staff?

Depending on the type of wading staff you choose, it’s very easy to use such a unit. If you are going for a foldable model then you will be able to set it up single-handedly. If you are using a pole with an adjustable height, then you will have to put everything together and then use it throughout the fishing day.

In terms of what to do once you are in the water, you need to use the staff to test the footing ahead. This way, you will see if there are any upcoming changes that might result in a loss of balance. You should also use the staff as you step for extra support, as the mud and rocks can be slippery.

You can also use these devices as trekking poles, but here as well it depends on the chosen unit to see if it’s suitable in various conditions.

 

Q: Based on what criteria should I choose a wading staff?

The first thing you need to establish before choosing a wading staff is how you are going to use it. If you plan to remain in the water at all times, fishing, then you can go for a foldable unit that is easy to handle and operate. On the other hand, a pole with adjustable height might be more useful if you want to go hiking as well.

With this being said, you need to carefully assess the material used for such a unit. The most popular option is aluminum because it’s a strong alternative, but it’s also a lightweight one. Given that you are going to spend a lot of time outdoors, you don’t want to carry too much weight that might eventually become a burden.

Next, you should take a look at the unit’s length to make sure that it fits your height. The wading staff needs to be comfortable to use.

 

 

Bibliography:

1) Why Use a Wading Staff When Fly Fishing

2) Need a wading staff?

3) Tips for Safe Wading

4) What most people call a wading staff