I cut the tip the length I want, then I cut the rest of the feather up into what I call my little V's. I usually use one tip and probably 3 of the little V's to make a tail. I also keep the rest of the feather as you can also make some tails like the Gray Ghost jig that didn't use a tip at all. If I just use V's for a tail I use 4 or 5 of them to make the Gray Ghost type jig. This works better if it's not a long shank hook and better on say a #6 Sickle. The original Gray Ghost was really a 1/16 with a #8 Regular bend hook so the tail was short and no need for a tip.

I save anything that looks like I can make a jig tail with it later on if I want. I always have extra V's and I save them too. I put all in separate little bags, but in the same main bag for that color.

Once I eve tied a jig using just scraps and posted it here just to show guys to keep their scraps.

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Found the post....
http://www.crappie.com/crappie/jig-t...bbed-body-jig/