Joe,

I've seen it printed somewhere that using a nickled hook made for a 'reflective' camoflage on baitfish patterns (maybe from Dave Whitlock-he uses a nickled hook on his sheep shad patterns). The 'theory' is that the hook 'reflects' what's around it, effectively 'hiding' it.

In any event, I beleive that your hook is a turned up eye 'beak' style hook. Should work well for baitfish patterns like the deceiver, spun deer hair/foam stuff, and just about any pattern that doesn't require a long shank to tie it to.

Good Luck!

Buddy