Yes, it is an afghan hook, and the reason it is long is that depending on the pattern, you can have lots of stitches on that hook before working them off. This is one of the stitches you can make with that hook:

Here is a link that might be useful: afghan stitch

"An afghan hook is used when working Tunisian crochet (also referred to as afghan stitch.) Tunisian crochet produces a knit-like fabric. This 9", 10", or 14" long hook is available in sizes E to K. "

I googled tunisian crochet
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunisian_crochet
and got this...
"Tunisian crochet, also known as Afghan crochet, uses an elongated hook with a stopper on the handle end, called an Afghan hook."

In Afghan crochet, each row is worked in two halves: the first half is worked from right to left and the second half from left to right. Work is never turned.

After the starting chain is completed, the first row is worked by inserting the hook in the chain, pulling a loop from the free end of the yarn, and inserting the hook in the next chain without working the loop off the hook. At the end of the row, you will have as many loops on the hook as there are stitches across. In the second half of the row, you will work the loops off the hook.

This type of crochet creates a dense fabric with a definite front and back side. It is ideal as a base for cross-stitch.

Here is a link that might be useful: Crochet Tools

Thanks everyone for the information and link. It was 50 cents at the thrift store so I thought, what the heck! I have done a lot of knitting and crocheting but never this type. I guess I will have to give it a try. You can always learn something new, even at my age (fifty something). ;>)

I'd like a hands on lesson on this. I have a couple of those hooks too.

do you still have it? ive looked everywhere for one. would you want to sell it? please reply. ty

d00wh0p, I think you can buy afghan hooks from Annie's Attic, Mary Maxim and Herrschnerr's. They all have websites.