Tiny crankbaits on a fly rod?

[mainbutter]

Situation:

I love tiny crankbaits. The smallest rapalas out there (I like the floaters and the countdowns) catch lots of fish for me. However, I hate casting ultralight spinning gear. It might be a technique issue, it might be an equipment issue, but it boils down to casting lures with no mass.

Solution? Fly casting??

I've heard of people casting crankbaits with fly rods, but I'm concerned about treble hooks snagging the leader while it's in the air.

Anyone ever tried this and have any advice? Should I just stick to poppers and streamers, or is this a viable option?

[Ufatz]

Well, we senior anglers know well about the old time "fly rod baits" of the 30's and 40's and 50's. Everything from sweet little mice to baby Daredevils and little froggies....all only maybe an inch or less long and very light weight. Terrible things to cast, but best done with a 7-9 weight very soft action fly rod. Back then some of the 8-9 foot bamboo rods were very heavy and pretty darned slow. But they were good for tossing those little lures.

Of course you can still do it today. Take a 9' 7wt and cast a big, lazy open loop with a baby Rapala. Point rod tip down at water and strip retrieve. And use rod tip too to provide action.

Personally, big poppers and some full bodied marabous do the job better for me. Big bass just LOVE a deer hair bug with BIG eyes on it!!