Boat covers help to protect against damage from snow, rain, wind, and sun. But you don’t want to use just any type of cover. The material and fit are vital to protect your boat as well as the cover itself.

Weather takes a heavy toll on a boat. Wood can become dry and this causes shrinking that leads to open seams and cracking. Paint will also “craze” – develop small cracks – that make the surface look dull.

The opposite problem is water penetration of the boat material. Wood can absorb water in areas where the finish is worn. Fiberglass that has cracks or other entry points will become water logged and heavy. If this happens in the winter, the water will freeze and split the wood or fiberglass. That leads to further damage when exposed areas allow even more water to enter.

An important feature of high quality boat covers is the ability to “breathe”. Without this feature, trapped moisture cannot escape. This leads to all kinds of moisture related problems such as mold and mildew. That’s why most boat covers are made of cotton.

Cotton is made waterproof by using a very tight weave. This allows the material to swell when exposed to moisture and this swelling causes pores to close and prevent water from entering. When dry, the material shrinks and opens the pores to allow trapped moisture to escape.

Uncoated cotton is also nonabrasive and this allows the boat cover to be installed down to the waterline without scuffing and damaging the surface. Extending the cover down to the waterline is better for securing it because wind can’t get under the fabric and pull the cover loose.

You also need a frame to support the cover so it can shed snow and ice. These frames (and usually the covers) can be custom built for each boat. You can also find ready-made systems for popular boat designs and these do a good job of protecting your boat. Make sure you purchase a system that’s easy to install and remove. Storage is also a consideration and the system you purchase should be designed to take up very little space when not being used.

Boat covers, especially custom built units, cost a lot of money. But the price is worth it when compared to fixing damage caused by weather. Ordering custom covers in the offseason will usually get you a good discount.

Choosing the correct fly fishing rod means the difference between an enjoyable trip and a lousy one. Pick the wrong type and you will work yourself to exhaustion.

Graphite rods are a good choice. They are light, durable, and provide a smooth cast. While a little pricey, they are well worth the small additional cost. The light weight will be appreciated after casting for an extended period of time.

The action of the rod is the next thing to consider. This is the bending resistance and comes in fast, medium, and slow designations. Fast action fly fishing rods are stiff and will set a hook with little effort. They will also lose a fish if you are too aggressive. Beginning anglers usually do better with medium actions. Check the bend of the rod to be sure it’s smooth and even with no soft spots.

Fly fishing rods come in lengths of 4 to 18 feet. Longer rods will cast farther with less effort. For tight spaces, use shorter rods because they won’t get hung-up when you cast. An 8 to 9 foot fly rod will satisfy the needs of most situations. Go with an 8 foot rod if you primarily fish small to mid-sized rivers. A 9 foot rod is a good choice for float fishing, large rivers, and casting in windy conditions. You can also get an 8 1/2 foot rod, which is very popular.

Try different grip shapes and sizes for comfort and control. Remember that you will be casting the rod a lot and comfort is critical. Control is also related to rod action and determines how you set the hook.

Check your fly shop for complete packages that include a rod, reel, and line. These are good choices for beginners. More experienced anglers will likely prefer to purchase everything separately.