I used to have the same problem with the b/c reels. I like to fish alot of jerk baits and flukes during the spring and summer but could not cast them far enough to cover any water. A fishing buddy then showed me a trick. He gave me a six foot medium spinning rod and reel rigged with 30lb. braid. then there was a barrel swivel with a 3' 12lb. flurocarbon leader. THe results were amazing I could cast it a mile and had the strength of braid, but the leader kept from spooking fish in clear water.