Abstract: The invented extensible wading staff includes an elongate shaft with first and second ends, a gripping area, a retractable hook near the first end, and a foot structure such as a rubber cap on the sealed end. A fisherman who is in water, especially moving water, may use the wading staff to maintain his balance while he is flyfishing. In addition, a fisherman may use the staff to help him retrieve snagged fishing devices such as flies, lures, lines and hooks from overhanging tree branches or underwater obstacles.