Hook training is just touching the snake with something to let it know its not feeding time. You can use anything you want that's long enough to keep you out of striking distance (for example, a newspaper roll (for smaller snakes)). The hook is useful if you need to slide the snake closer to you. Just tap/rub his body with the object to make sure he's awake and alert. If he tries to set up a strike towards you, a gentle tap on the nose usually snaps them out of it. After you're sure he know's what is going on, you can take him out and handle him as usual. During feeding, NEVER use the hook. Only use the hook when you are NOT feeding. 

It's pretty simple  .. I would usually  just give the snake a small nudge  with the hook  maybe  hook him under his neck just a little bit  so he know's  it's not feeding time .. they seem to catch on pretty fast

Pretty much everything mention above is the basic long & short of it. It's basically just used to let snakes know that when that door opens its not always food coming in or something that needs a defensive action. I think I even caught my snake of gaurd once, maybe sleeping or just not aware I was present. I found they come in handy too when your snake may be out of arms reach in the back of an enclosure. Tongs fine but when feeding my Boa I use a 18 inch hemostat more because it gives my hand seperation from the pray & holds the heavier rats better then my tongs that cost me 4 times as much. They sell for like $10 & are worth every penny.

The hook on the other hand you can get suckered into for way more then you need to spend so be careful & read up on proper usage just so you dont hurt the fella maybe trying to move him or something. Your not going to use it like your transporting venomous snakes & it wouldn't work right if you tried on a heavy boa unless maybe you got the huge boa/python one for $50 bucks which is over kill (even though I bought one like a dummy). The only thing it has going for it over other hooks is the wide opening that probably apply pressure to multiple rather then 1 rib. Honestly you could probably use almost anything & would save a lot throwing something together at your local homedepot or Lowes. I even seen rubber spray there used for tool handles that doubles great for keeping metal less inclined to being cold & more comfortable soft.

Also, since no one else wants to look like the sick freak & ask for them,  I will.... got any pictures from the bite? It's been a lot of years since I gotten a good tag from a decent sized snake & never from a feeding response but remember it being more shocking then painful. You mentioned it was pretty painful? Only asking as something to look forward to because I have a gut feeling I'm probably due soon since I plan on finally spending a lot more time this year, especially when it warms up & I dont have to work as much.

If you have a show near you they usually always have hooks for sale.

The only advice I have is do NOT buy a collapsible hook.  They're meant for lighter/smaller snakes.  I had one snap like a twig in the worst moment with a carpet.

Recognizing your animals defensive posture is good to know too.

all great advice...I hook trained my female sand boas because they'll launch out sometimes in tubs that are face height...Not really looking to get bit in the face :P  I just got them used to being tapped lightly on the back with the hook before being removed, and they do great now! These are both sweet girls outside of the tub but they do have great feeding responses! :)

I use collapsible hooks for them, but I'd never use collapsible for anything heavier or larger.  

Thank you so much to everyone who replied. All of your advice & tips are a great help! Although points have been awarded, I'm still open to further advice if anyone has something different.  Thank you

@durante or any... photos of my bite for limited time viewing here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0bq6tl32tkukchu/xfcUGl3gX1 Hand is healing, right now still bruised but feels much better.

not even one point ?? where is the love ??