Seems like SS has a viable solution.
Fishermen usually have enough stuff hanging about their persons, so that another long thing to carry is really a bother, but a waking staff is low profile, and the way SS describes it, would be an effective weapon. One addition might be a sharpened 2" or so nail in one end, for longer reach. As back-up, depending upon local laws, a fillet knife with a smaller blade, which nobody in fishing country gets upset about. Carried openly, it might even be a deterrent.
An alternate staff , a bit lighter would be a ski pole. Garage/yard sales are a good source of these. They already have sharp, hardened tips, and make great wading /walking/photo staffs. Remove the basket, and thread a bit of stretch cord thru a hole, and you can carry it slung over your shoulder, like the landing net.
Of course, if they haven's been trained, most people who think they will use a walking staff for defense flail about like they were killing snakes. Learn some cane fighting basics, and use them. They are simple, and increase the effectiveness of a staff-type weapon.
Peter H. Capstick once (tongue in cheek) recommended the African assegai. (short stabbing spear) Buuuut... other than Cold Steel, where do you buy one, and more importantly, HOW do you pronounce it?
