Obviously wood is not as strong as rebar, however, wood stakes will work well if used properly.
I always attatch my stakes with 14 or 11 ga wire when after beaver. I simply run the wire through the hole (I drilled) near the top of the stake
If cable is desired I guess you could use one of the alluminum cable ferrules that the guys use when making snares.
The key to wood stakes is a mud bottom and stomping them as far into the mud as you can with your heel.
Hope this helps,
Tim B