George,
I hear you. I don't like heavy weights on my lures, as it makes them act unnaturally.
I longer rod helps, and nice smooth guides help too. Keeping the spinning reel's spool pretty full can also help a little. I notice a slim 6'6" rod with a pretty stiff spine casts light tackle a bit further than a 6' rod. Line matters too, and can get you another foot or 2 fo distance, but I'm sure you're up on that.
