Hi Steve,

You mention soft hackle in relation to length. I often use a split-thread dubbing loop to make oversized soft hackle any length I want/need. Here's how it works:

1. Strip the fibers from an over-sized feather and set them aside for a moment. Soft hackle fibers usually tend to stick together.
2. Use a bodkin to split the tying thread about an inch from the hook, slip a finger in between forming a dubbing loop.
3. Slip the stripped fibers between the split thread pushing the tips through as far as you want their length. Remove your finger closing the dubbing loop and trim off the butt ends.
4. Wrap the hackle making sure the fibers sweep back. Whip-finish and go fishing!

Tight Lines - Al Beatty [url=http://www.btsflyfishing.com:6e9b2]www.btsflyfishing.com[/url:6e9b2]