Even if you don't plan to swim in it, a wet suit makes wading through awful rock/weed a lot easier. The neoprene protects you better when you fall, and there are no issues with filling your waders and ruining your night.
I can't imagine using my rod for a wading staff in the stuff I stumble through...the reel would get bashed on underwater rocks. This year I've been using a foldable Simms wading staff and like it a lot (too soon to know how long it will last...prior years I used a hardwood mop handle and EVA grip). Pricey, but breaking your leg in some inaccessible place is worse. Really speeds you up and adds fishing time over the course of the night if you do a lot of walking, wading, and hunting in the rocks (I may cover several miles and be in and out of the water dozens of times). Unnecessary if you plan to just set up and wait for fish on a favorite rock.
I'd also note that plenty of LI guys fish plugs in wetsuits. A 4 tube square bag with big drain grommets and attached to your belt is great. 3" tubes will hold a water bottle. I use a small lip gaff to handle fish and find it adequate. I hang it on the bag strap and the point is covered with surge tube looped first on the base of the hook. Supposedly you can carry a boga on a strong retractor clipped across the small of your back instead.
As for footwear.....read this
http://www.striped-bass.com/Stripert...e-korkers.html
By the way, whatever happened to carrying eels in burlap? Mayo jars? Watch out people will think you're from Franklin.
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