I decided that this is the technique I want to learn this season and was wondering if the rod I use for swimming jigs could double for the 3.5 & 5in. swimbaits?  I have 12lb FC on that reel could that also be used?

I don't swim jigs with anything but braid so I like a little softer rod in the 7 foot range. I throw my soft swim baits on a 7'6 Powell diesel with 15-17 lb fluorocarbon. Tackle warehouse hAs the diesels for 54.88 on sale

Papa, your thinking right. I use the same rod for spinnerbaits, swimjigs, chatterbaits, and hollow body swimmers. I use a 7'mh. Its a Powell Endurance 723, its actually more like a mag med. I have two of these rods.

12# would be fine. The cover your tossing them in would dictate if heavier is needed.

Edit. I said Powell Diesel ...must have read it above while type..its an endurance

Papa, your thinking right. I use the same rod for spinnerbaits, swimjigs, chatterbaits, and hollow body swimmers. I use a 7'mh. Its a Powell Diesel 723, its actually more like a mag med. I have two of these rods.

12# would be fine. The cover your tossing them in would dictate if heavier is needed.

That's what I throw a swim jig on

dobyns 735c is what I use. You may want something with a fast instead of an extra fast tip. Its all about personal preference. 

That's what I throw a swim jig on

I read Diesel, and ....meant to type Endurance..lol.

I read Diesel, and ....meant to type Endurance..lol.[/quote

Lol that sounds like something I would do.

Whatever you are using for swim jigs will be fine for Hollow Bellies or any other small/ medium weight plastics.

My favorite rig is a MBR842C/ Core 50 Mg/ Tatsu #12