The Rhodani company is owned by Jose Raul Soria and based in Gijon (Asturias, Spain). For 15 years, its Baetis catalogue displays flyfishing gear mainly dedicated to euronymphing and proven by many spanish competitors. Several models of the top-range Precision series will be reviewed in our columns. Let's begin with the 11' #3 Precision :
Static test :
The Precision series has a slate gray varnished blank adorned with yellow wraps at the first piece and the first two guides (Hard SIC). They are followed by 11 single foot guides. The reel seat is made of aluminum with a graphite insert. This 4-pieces rod is delivered in a fabric sock and an aluminum tube.
Measurements :
The Common Cents System protocol was used to characterize the action, the power and the frequency of this rod :
Regarding the power, 33 cents were required to load the rod over a third of its total length, which gives after conversion an ERN of 3.86 and a #3/4 line power, just a little more than expected. With an AA of 75°, the action is fast (this is the most important AA we have measured to date) and can be qualified as ultra-fast. The frequency at 74 is high for a 11' and it shows great dry flyfishing capacities (even if the BTW will make casts a little uncomfortable). If you want to dryfly fish, you can use a #3 line or a #4 line. The first guide is located at a distance of 26" from the handle, so it requires to add a removable guide to euronymph effectively.
Baetis Precision 11' #3
The opinion of Jose Raul Soria (Baetis blank designer) on the Precision series :
"This series was born from the need created by the development of spanish nymphing. When designing each blank, we've looked for fidelity to the announced power. We do not offer versatile power. It means that a rod provided for a #2 line is really a "#2 rod". Searching for the best high modulus carbon fibers allows us to achieve very light blank. But it is accurate and powerful at the same time. Our rods have a large power reserve in the first piece to catch big fish, and a very soft tip to allow us to use barbless hooks."
... and on the 11 '#3 model in particular :
"This rod was designed for nymphing in large rivers, where anglers usually use tungsten nymphs (bead sizes 2.8 to 3.8mm) and tungsten bodies. It's a real powerful rod. When you hook a fish, you have the feeling of being the one who dominates the fight. The very soft tip prevents the hook-off during rushes and jumps. We also have an 11 '# 4 for very fast rivers and big nymphs."
The opinion of Rubén Santos becerro, 2017 spain champion, 3rd in the 2016 european team Championship, 3rd in the 2017 european Individual Championship :
"This rod has been purely designed for euronymphing. It can catch all sizes fish in medium and large rivers, but especially large trouts. It allows to cast the nymphs with accuracy and responds effectively when the bite is detected. Its action and power reserve help to shorten the fight. "
The opinion of the editor:
A rod dedicated to euronymphing in big rivers. With its ultra-fast action and its power, it is quite directional, which allows to fish harder and faster. The manufacturer's datas (power and weight) are very accurate. The reactivity of the product is important in relation to the length, even if the BTW will slightly reduce the manoeuvrability for dryfly fishing. Be sure to match a pretty heavy reel to fish more comfortably.
