Zara spook  legend Charlie Campbell uses a 5 1/2 foot rod .

I like the 6'9" Denali Kovert MH Spinnerbait rod for most topwaters. And I'm NOT on the Denali "pro staff."

NRX 804C JWR paired with a Calais 200DC and spooled with Sunline Derier Armilo in 22lb.

I use my crankbait sticks.  Any crankbait stick worth its salt should be able to function as a topwater stick without your arm failing off.  Powell Diesel and Crankin stick are great options under $100.  A reel with 6 pin centrifugal braking, or something comparable, spooled with braid or mono is about as good as it's going to get reel wise.   

I like the 6'9" Denali Kovert MH Spinnerbait rod for most topwaters. And I'm NOT on the Denali "pro staff."

Forgot to mention the reel: PQ 6.4:1 with 12# Suffix Siege mono.

I use a 6'10 Medium-Fast Duckett Ghost for top water. The Reel is a Team Lew's Pro with 14# Mono. Works great for me.