Rather than marabou tail, consider using bright colored closed-cell foam in yellow, red, chartruese or white. Cut the foam in a elongated diamond shape with a tag on one end to attach to the chenille. Still use the needle to hold the chenille to attach the foam. The foam is more durable than marabou and will provide action by floating up off the bottom whenever you stop the retrieve. This has worked well for me. Just a thought...

Jim Smith