What do all of the painters think is the best, fastest, easiest, most efficient way to sand the stock paint job off of a bait that you want to paint? Any other tips for it?

i think i used to use 330 maybe  hmm dont remember for sure it was along time ago when i sanded and repainted   i think it was 330     the only tip i got for u is that  dont sand hard and when u get down to the wood or plastic  try to peel off the paint instead of sanding it    

why do you need to sand off the old finish anyway? when i repaint baits i just paint right over the finish.

If you don't want to sand.  You can always just soak the lure in Simple Green or Purple Power, some kind of automotive degreaser.  I've also seen someone mention Krud Kutter?...the paint will wipe right off and not affect the plastic.  

It usually takes two over night soakings to get it completely clean...the wait sucks but you get one heck of a blank to work with!

why do you need to sand off the old finish anyway? when i repaint baits i just paint right over the finish.

I dont know how picky you are about the action of your baits, but i am fairly picky, and all that extra paint does influence it, despite whether you realize it or not. You can really notice this on suspending baits. Thanks for the other tips guys.

I use 800 grit and sand just enough to take the shine off. This gives the new paint something to cling to. Older cracked rough wood baits need to be taken down to the wood, resealed, primer, paint scheme then top coat.

At least this is how i do it.