Quade, most of the 'Pros' I've seen tie choose the hackle by bending it around the shank of the hook and guess at 1 1/2 times the hook gap. They do this while the feather is still on the cape. If it looks pretty good, they'll detach the feather and use it. Do this as soon as you put the hook in the vise. Hope that helps a bit too.


Ron