I went the "homemade" route on my wading staff last September. I had a Chunking and Winding bass rod that I cut off at 40" up the butt. It was still 1/2" in diameter where I cut it. I glued a wooden dowel inside the tip and then put a rubber crutch tip on over it. I retained the handle which was rubber with a trigger on it, just as it was as a bass rod. It felt very sturdy, but upon using it in the stream I had it break on me the first tim I slipped with it. The one Byard is getting for me is a Folstaff. Cost is $90 +, but if it'll help me not to fall with these bad ankles I have, it'll be well worth it.
Byard will be glad to send you the "Folstaff page" that shows and tells about the different models.
A hickory stick would be OK, but it weighs more and doesn't fold up like the Folstaff does.
JIMMY
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Dr. Doug Miller wrote:
Jimi,
I made a wading staff about 10 years ago which is still going strong and is
a close companion whenever I am fishing unfamiliar water.
Basically, I took a sturdy piece of hickory about as thick as a good walking
cane and about as long as from my armpit to the ground. You can use any
hardwood.
