Abstract: A fishing rod cover for protecting a fishing rod from damage and preventing entanglement of fishing line includes an expandable sleeve for receiving the distal end of a fishing rod; and a flotation device for rendering the fishing rod cover buoyant in water. The expandable sleeve has an open proximal end, a closed distal end, and a rod receiving region between the open proximal end and the closed distal end. The flotation device is located at the closed distal end of the expandable sleeve, and comprises a cushion adapted to protect the tip of the fishing rod. The fishing rod cover has a semi-rigid rod receptacle, ensuing ease of insertion of the tip of the rod, as well as the guides supported on the rod. The flotation device is manufactured as an elastomeric foam cylindrical body having a bore through the longitudinal axis.