Yes, I use a wading staff. A wading Staff can be a burden at times. I can't remember how many times I doubled back because I left it stuck in the ground, or hanging off a branch stream side. At the same time, I wouldn't wade Penns or Savage without it. If you ever been on the other side of broad pool, after the sun goes down on the Drake, you'll soon realize why you hauled that thing around all day. Wading staffs are good for wild places too. Sometimes I'll wisp the ground as I walk in an attempt to avoid snakes in the taller grass. A wading staff saves your knee's. As you fish through out the day you'll be less tired and will have covered better ground, more efficiently. Wading staff's are a big plus in big water...
Here's a good one to get. I got the one piece walnut swirl. This was years ago. The prices have goon up, man.
http://www.downeastwalkingsticks.com/b_wading.htm