Pond Boss Forums MANAGING AN EXISTING POND Evaluating and adjusting fish populations sabiki rig to cull panfish

I've used them to catch mackrel for bait as well. What you describe is exactly the way we'd hold the rod/sabiki rig for the deckhand to remove the bait without touching it. They'd use a butter knife or a smooth wire bent in a "U" shape to catch the hook and let the fish flop off. I don't see why it wouldn't work for any schooling fish that eats small prey.