Use for a 5.5 foot rod.

[Bankc]

I use an old 5'5" pistol grip rod from the '90's for my topwater (non buzzbait) rod.  It's shorter length and pistol grip make popping and walking lures easier to get the right action on, since you'll want to keep your rod tip low during retrieve.  That's something that can be harder to do with a really long rod.  For topwater, you don't really need sensitivity (since you can see your lure), and those old rods tend to be slower (which is good for keeping the bass from throwing treble hooks).  You also don't really need to bomb the lures that often, so shorter rods don't really hurt you there.  And since you're not bombing them, you don't need to cast two-handed.

 

Though, they can be used for anything.  You give up casting distance and gain some casting accuracy.  They're probably not the best choice for pitching and flipping, nor deep diving crankbaits.  But that doesn't mean you can't use them for that as well.  I've also used them for squarebills and skipping, as well as casting in tight spaces, which they work really well for.  But overall, topwater treble hook lures is where they're gonna shine.   

[waymont]

G Loomis still sells the 723c, now as an 6' IMX-Pro . It's a fantastic rod for lots of presentations.

[Sissyfishing]

G Loomis is great brand

[billmac]

I'm not much of a topwater fisherman, but using the shorter rod for that makes sense.

[Sissyfishing]

More control stands to reason