trailer hooks

Question
Dear Mr. Arnov,
     In several different tackle shops/sporting goods stores I have seen packages of Gamakatsu "trailer hooks".  They appear to be  moderate shank length, generally 1/0 or 2/0, silver hooks with closed eyes.  Each package of six hooks contains a hollow clear plastic tube  about 1 1/2" long which is cut on an oblique angle at one end.  At first I thought they were to be used as "stinger" hooks on bucktails for trailing strip or plastic baits but the eye of the "trailer" wouldn't fit over the barb of my bucktails.  No one in the tackle shops is able to tell me their purpose or how they are to be used.  Can you?  I'd be grateful for any information at all.
Thanks,
Kevin
P.S.  OK to post on fishing message board.

Answer
Dear Dr. Harris,
I won't be as helpful with this one.  I think it is surgical tubing you are talking about.  If it is of sufficient diameter to allow it to slide on to the hook, then it could be used a a receptacle for tiny rattles which especially in fresh water fishing are sometimes seen.  I have never used these, but it is my understanding that once the tubing is on the hook, rattles can be forced into it.  Boris