I still use a 6'6 Shakespeare Intrepid MH baitcasting rod for topwater bass..I just never found a better action than this.
My Shimano hate came from a Symetre spinning reel from 20 years ago..lol.
Daiwa Exceler spinning reels are the best deal around IMHO.
Daiwa Advantage baitcaster reels are superb-casting & smooth-retrieves that, make you want to fish the whole lake!
G.Loomis Centrepin reels are awesome for steel.
Fenwick HMX flyrods have great backbone.