I have tried this, and it works way more than you would think.
http://www.murraysflyshop.com/blog/2012/02/safe-wading-4/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+murraysflyshop%2FMUJg+(Fly+Fishing)
Hope it directs to the right item…
I take my folstaff anyway, but try this, it really works
I wish I’d have known that when I was able to wade. Thanks for posting. It makes sense. But DO continue to use your staff.
That’s a great tip; will have to give it a try. I fished with Mr. Murray years ago; he moved in the stream like a grizzly, velcroed to the rocks.
Regards,
Scott
I just fear some anglers might believe that now they might not need a wading stick.
I always take mine.
Randy
I believe that same tip is in a book by Charles Brooks I have.
Thirty years ago some of my fly fishing and non-fly fishing buddies made fun of me for using a wading staff. I was only in my 30s then and they thought it was for old men. But, I can’t tell you how many dunks it has saved me from over the years.
I’ve come to appreciate a wading staff, and I use it on the upstream side, and the rod extended downstream. Almost like a four point stability.
Well, you would think that someone as smart as me would have known all about this …! Well, did not.
Thanks for the tip and although I do the wading staff thing, going to try this first chance. For me the only concern would be falling and possibly breaking my fly rod in the process. (O.K. to break a leg or an arm, but the fly rod … never!)
Wouldn’t be surprising. I believe Murray and Brooks were great friends.
Don’t want to hijack the thread, but can anyone recommend a reasonably priced collapsable wading staff? Good idea about the rod, too!
We use the wooden walking sticks. Wally World used to have a collapsible that worked OK, but after a while, the sections stuck together so that it was just a metal stick.
I’m not quite sure what you mean by collapsable. The ones that fold and you keep on your hip? The Fishpond wading stick is so light it floats. Just make sure that when the wading stick is fully extended, it come up to your armpit.
Randy
Yes, I do mean the ones that fold up. I’ve never used one, and I don’t know how you could manuever a stick in one hand and your rod in the other once you settle in to a spot, so I assume the folding variety would be more practical.
Yep, it sure is. I remember reading this back in 1980 when I recieved Brooks’ book titled “Trout Fishing” as a gift. I have been doing this ever since. I am however ready to start carrying a staff due to my bad knee flaring up on me lately.
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Though they are not cheap, Folstaffs are very well made and sturdy. Having done lots of winter fishing in heavy current, it’s the only one I would trust that folds up. They are sturdy enough to really put some pressure on. Since the handle is cork, I leave it together and tether it out behind me from the upstream side. I’ve had mine for 15 years. I use wax on the ferrules to keep them from sticking.
The rod pointed downstream makes sense to me, as it orients you to be always moving perpindicular to the current- least resistance and steady pressure.
Charlie
I am a great believer in wading staffs. The one time I didn’t use one resulted in a fall and two knee surgeries so far, and a replacement on the way.
NOTE: I can also suggest how you can repurpose a net into a staff. I always use a wooden handled boat net with a rubber net (it’s just under 4 feet long and tucks easily into the back of my wading belt (another subject but you should never wade without a belt). I took off the metal ring on the end of the handle and replaced it with a crutch rubber foot. Now i have a short but effective staff for easier waters. Cabela’s often has the net on sale for under $50.
Something I have thought about but never seen or heard of being used, for when you do slip, is a ski belt. Back when I was young and dumb (I got over the young part) most of the water skiers I knew only worn a belt of foam to keep them afloat when they fell. It has occurred to me it would be handy when wading. Not as good as a pfd but woud still add floatation, if well made could add back support and serve to keep water out of the waders. Just one of my strange thoughts.
once you settle in to a spot–teachmarkey
any staff worth taking with you on the water has a tether. or you can buy it a net tether. when you get there, just let go and it floats off downstream a couple of feet and stays there, ready to grab when it’s time to move.
Holding the rod flat over the water, and thrusting downward is the motion you want to make. If you’re pushing it tip first, you’re guaranteed to break the rod. It takes quite a lot of downward pressure to get the rod to move close to the bottom (in water 3-4 feet deep) and this downward pressure is what makes it possible (most of the time) to correct your imbalance without your rod ever coming close to the bottom. You’ll have plenty of time to ascertain if you’re going into the drink, to release downward pressure on the rod, thus saving the rod, and taking your dunkin’.
I use a wading staff but that certianly looks like an interesting tip. I’ll try it out…with a staff. lol