Abstract: A method for the removal of the spinal bones from fish, such as freshwater fish, by positioning an annular member, such as a ring attached to a shaft, around the spine of a deheaded fish and forcing it along the spine from the head portion to the tail portion of the fish, to thereby detach the spinal column from the torso of the fish and then pulling out the detached spinal column. The fish preferably has its tail cut off prior to the operation. A device for carrying out the method consists of a ring attached to a shaft with its plane extending substantially transverse to the rod. Various sized rings may be detachable connected to the shaft which may be provided with a handle.