I've had mixed results with other castaic baits since I wrote that article. Given the bait is so difficult to find these days I don't intend on messing with any of my remaining untouched versions.

If you're still intent on moving forward with the mod you could try drilling a hole through the back of the head towards the wire with the hope of intersecting it. The eyes should be much easier to pull out if the wire is already cut in the middle that way.

I sure wish castaic would re-introduce this bait :-(