Tying flies is basically the exact same thing. I know. Until recently the only jigs I made were big steelhead and salt water jigs. But I tied thousands of flies. Incorporating the two is really easy. Just have to end the tie at the jig head instead of tying it off on the hook. I can incorporate any fly I have ever tied into a jig, actually it is easier because a good fly needs a clean finish where a jig head hides the finish off tie.

Hackle is a feather, rooster, chicken, and many other birds give what is considered a hackle feather. Basically is just a feather that has a very thin stem that can be easily wrapped around the hook shank or over other materials.

Genetic Micro Barb Saddle Hackle, Half Skin Brown