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.
Threaded Mode