For a different option, in particular if you're looking to use longer hackles, you could tie them in "flatwing style" instead of "deceiver" style. In fly tying people started to tie feathers in this way because generally the feathers will have much more action. Instead of having the two curved feathers face each other and sometimes negate each others action, you can place several feathers with their natural curve facing down in the same direction as the bend of the hook. This is great for hanging big hackles off a hook; you can make a great looking squid this way with some plugs or simply make a big plug bigger.
Throw a little bucktail under the feathers for a bit of support as well, although that step isn't necessary it discourages fouling which can be a problem with longer feathers.
Something like
this. A little more time consuming and generally I just fish a small tuft of bucktail on a hook, but the long hackles work.
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