my quantum EX500 reels cast the furthest, my abu garcia C3 and C4's second and my daiwa procaster's last. asfar as how light of a lure can you cast , well if you are just starting out try to keep your lures at 1/4 oz or heavier eventually when you become experienced enough you can throw lighter stuff for example the lightest lure I can throw on a baitcaster is 7 inch wacky worm rig with a 2/0 circle hook no sinker the worm and hook together might weigh an 1/8 of an oz, distance lacks the furthest i can throw it is maybe 20 yards and flipping maybe 15 yards but when sight fishing with a wacky worm rig you really dont need to cast further than that. for my lighter baits I resort to a spinning outfit. good luck