Shape of hook

[Trout Of Doubt]

There seem to be numerous shapes of hook available, but other than long shank and nymph (curved shank) I can usually see little difference other than in the shape of the bend.
It's always struck me that a hook is entirely unnatural so does this actually make any difference?
I know I am inordinately sceptical when it comes to re-inventing the wheel just for marketing, but am I missing something?

[spidersplus]

Idris,

I personally think that one needs to consider two main aspects of a hook - the length and shape of the shank for the actual dressing and the gape and length of the spear for hooking hold.

First, the hook needs to support the type of dressing, be it an emerging imitation or a dun or a spinner imitation.

A curved shank such as a TMC 200R is fine for an insect with a curved body such as a stonefly but not so suitable for a North Country Spider dressing.

A short shank is fine for a midge pattern but no so suitable for a dun or spinner imitation which is just a nymph with wings after all.

An emerger imitation such as a klinkhamer will not present correctly of tied on a straight shank hook.

Then the gape ... a "busy" pattern tied on a hook with a narrow gape will not hook very well but a sparcely tied buzzer will be fine on a hook with a more narrow gape.

I believe one then needs to consider the weight of the hook - fine light (but strong) wire for a dry pattern; heavy wire for a lure ... heavy wired curved shank for a deep fishing buzzer - I guess it's just common sense ...

Just my own thoughts!

Kind regards