I do not lack anything in distance either. This setup gives me thumb control for better/more accurate presentations.
I use the same setup for baits as light as 1/8ounce (hair jigs tipped with small trailers). The rod is a round wrap type design, so feel is the same as with a spinning rod (since the guides spiral under the blank). I use a Shimano Scorpion 1000 reel, 6-10lb test mono or flouro line, a 7' medium action/extra fast tip rod (made for this type of finesse fishing). I can cast a 3/16 ounce bait as far on baitcasting equipment as on spinning equipment. I feel more comfortable using a baitcasting reel than a spinning reel, so I have found the right reel and rod setup for light baits and line.
I use baitcasting equipment for most of my finesse applications.
