Has any of u's guys ever try a walking stick for balance while stumbling (walking) on rocky bottom?

I was thinking about maybe some kind of extension to slide on / off of the butt end of the rod and a catch for it on the belt...

What cha think

I use my rod butt
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I use the busted $200 graphite hockey sticks of my nephews.
Saved my ass many times. Little pipe insulation to float it on a short leash a few feet away when not needed. Never gets in the way.
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Yes and it helps with both balance and speed moving out through rocky areas. I picked up a couple of sets of the bamboo ski poles and they work great. Just put a clip on them to tie off once you get to where your going. one pole is all you need and I'm on my third season with one of the ski poles.

Always used my pole. Usually wore out the rubber plug on the end each season.

Wading staff whether the rod or staff is a plus for stability thru the boulder fields. Gets to be more essential as us surfcasters age!
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Some good stuff, thanks
Using the rod puts the reel under water,,, trying to avoid that
New Gosa 6k best reel I own.... No dunky

Like some of these guys have said. I always used my rod.

Always remeber to remove your plug when using the rod as a staff... Had too many close calls 'cause I'm a slow learner.

I've stepped into some Holes thinking
it was relatively flat bottom pouring
water into my waders a few times
comes as a real surprise too

I hit the streams in April up here and use a Folstaff for wading. Folds up to 10", has a carbide tip and cork handle, you pull it out and it locks up on its own. Real dunking saver. Use it in the Fall and Winter for steelhead fishing also and I have forded 30" of 1000cfs flow with it. Had it about 10 seasons now, sent it in for a cord replacement 4 years ago and it came back nice with new cord, tip and they repaired the cork handle too-all for free.
Being aluminum, not sure how long it might last in the salt-(I use my rod) but check one out, they're very convenient .
http://www.folstaf.com/
I tried a ski pole in the salt once, but waves tossed the thing around until it got between my legs and I tripped and went in with a fish on.

I use a simms in freshwater and my rod butt in the salt, I find them and good footwear to be a necessity now.

Always remeber to remove your plug when using the rod as a staff... Had too many close calls 'cause I'm a slow learner.

I'll 2nd that!!!

I use my surf rod in the salt, but trout fishing I have a 4' handle for a broom that has a tapcon hex head in the tapered end for a spike and a hole and rope on the other. Attaches to my wading belt. It has marks 3" on center to measure fish with. You can't use a 5wt fly rod for a staff.