What can I do to get more distance on my cast when using small baits, less than 3 inches? How can I add weight without effecting action too much?

I'm using a Shimano 6' spinning rod and reel.

Upgrade your equipment.  A 7 ft rod with medium action will  significantlly increase casting distance.  Lighter line helps, too.  This is what I would recommend:                                                    Fenwick TECHNA AVS 70MM  rod (medium action will help you land bigger fish when throwing jerks, cranks & topwater).                                     Shimano S-*** (Stradic is good but the Sustain is much better and the Stella is the best spinning reel on the planet).                              Spool it up with YO-ZURI HYBRID 4lb diameter/ 8.5lb test.

Warrior, thanks.  I have a 7' med action but have been using it for the heavier lures.  I am using 8lb Trilene XL on it so I will give it a try with small lures now.  ><((((((o>

Roadwarrior - you took the words right out of my mouth!  ;D

I have lost a lot of nice fish learning these lessons and probably many more that I never saw because my cast was to short,  my line to visible and my drag to tight.  Equipment is not everything but it's a variable that can be managed.

So maybe the fact that my cast is shorter with the hard lures than it is with a 1/8 jig and 3" grub is some of the problem.  If you cast a 2-3" jerkbait, popper or  stickbait out there near shore how do you work it back?  Do you wait for the ripples to stop as some say?  Do you reel, twitch, start stop, jerk or combinations till you see what works.

What would you think about going out with only the hard stuff and leaving the soft plastics at home forcing me to try EVERYTHING? ???

You need to figure out the mood of the fish some days they want a drop bait like a worm that drops to the bottom and is worked on the bottom. Some days they want something that swims. I depends on where they are positioned in the lake some days they are hanging on the bottom some days they are maybe suspended. Thats the first key. The next would be where they are. You need to figure out if they are hanging next to the shore or out on the break line. Sometimes they hang on wood only or weeds. Sometimes it just an irregular feature. The next key would be color then action. Depth is another thing you need to figure out. I would start fishing right next to the shore with soft jerkbaits then a crankbait or spinnerbait a little further out. Try to fish the zone from the shore to about 5 to 10 feet out. If that don't work try fishing the bottom in the same zone. If both don't work then you just elminated a bunch of water. Now fish deeper. Always check back from time to time to see if any fish moved up into the shallow. Also if you do catch fish in a zone check the time of day. This will help in forming a pattern.

I use spinning tackle to target docks, to get baties.  Under them.  You may consider casting reels.  Most all good casting reels will out cast spinning reels I used 12 pound test , and a medium light casting rod in 7 foot , fast tip fore casting lightweight lures.

Chris

Thanks for the "mood and pattern" info.  I rerigged my 7' rod last night and am going to tie on a small chrome rat l trap or heddon puppy for the top.

What would you think of tossing a carolina or splitshot rig with a light hook and worm toward shore and hopping it toward deep water?

Trivib

I also use the spinning for under the docks with good success.  I have a Rick Clunn baircasting reel from Bass Pro but I am still learning to use it.  I'm going to practice in my back yard soon.

Also, Change the arc of your cast, instead of coming over the top come off your shoulder and follow through. Check this site out:

http://neilmackellow.sea-angler.org/otg.html

Even though it shows the angler fishing from the surf it works with any casting method fresh or saltwater. The principal here is letting the rod do what it was designed for, to load and release a cast.

Have you tried using some reel magic on the line and eyes of the rod? It might work, maybe someone else will know for sure.