Does anyone have some sort of guide or cranking "bible" they use when changing out hooks? Generally I know most change to number 2 hooks with a majority of squarebills and lipless cranks, but what about the deeper diving cranks such as mid range and deeper? I haven't changed out many of my hooks other than some squarebills and lipless so I need some guidance here. Thanks!

Generally, as a rule of thumb, I stay with the stock size that came on the bait.

Generally, as a rule of thumb, I stay with the stock size that came on the bait.

 

I do the same as ww2farmer, I've had many baits not work right after upsizing. I don't use a lot of Strike King models which seem to take upsizing pretty well but I have no problem with the stock size hooks.

I also replace with the original size. Many crankbaits come with better hooks these days than in the past and don't need to be replaced by my standards. Often just a few strokes with a hook file will be enough for them to meet the sharpness test (thumbnail).

If I replace hooks with short shank hooks I usually go up a size.  If I replace with standard size hooks I usually stick with the same size.  In most cases, I like to use the biggest hooks I can that don't tangle up with each other.  Jerkbaits, topwater baits and small, light crankbaits are the exception.

If I replace hooks with short shank hooks I usually go up a size.  If I replace with standard size hooks I usually stick with the same size.  In most cases, I like to use the biggest hooks I can that don't tangle up with each other.  Jerkbaits, topwater baits and small, light crankbaits are the exception.

x2