I understand that wild steelhead from the Quillayute system is the least expensive option. If this is true it is very sad. I heard from a reliable source that indeed this is happening.

I doubt that this is the case. If, for example, people were buying steelies for bait, the current rate they would pay is 1$ per pound. This is much more than a 25# box of frozen squid.
Longliners wouldn't gain from it, because they pay more in the 1st place and then they have to put it up. Further, they would have wastage from the guts and head. Squid is the bait of choice because it stays on the c- hooks and is tougher and works!.
Sporty's, in the ocean fishery, would be crazy if they use anything other than jigs in my opinion, because of the depth of the fish.
I don't disagree that someone out their may use it, but it's not profitable or worthwhile.

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"Chicken one day ~~ feathers the next!~

FULLTIME FISHING IS MY JOB! & RETIREMENT ROCKS!

Blackjack. I hope you are right. Squid is in abundance.

The Tribes did the same thing last year
why buy squid when you've got tons of "Wild" bait .....nothing surprises me anymore....Os

Heart Lake near Annacortes: First couple of weeks after opening day, back when the state stocked "jumbo" (14"-17") rainbow trout, many people would limit as many times as possible and then use the trout for halibut bait. As far as I could tell this used to be a pretty widespread practice.

Wild steelhead is used by some during the tribal commercial halibut harvest. It is the cheapest bait option, and the down river fish that are caught in the nets can be used, as bait. In my opinion it is a disgusting practice, but it is legal for tribal members.

I was a decky on a commercial boat in Alaska back in the early 80's, and using humpys for bait was common practice.
They were cheap and easy to come by, therefor making good bait.One squid, one bait. one humpy, (steelhead) ? baits.
And as far as only using jigs only for butts, I can't tell you how many we've caught over the years bragging a hearing around in 60' to 120'while king fishing(when you used to be able to that is).

What a sad thing that this is going on. That brings up an interesting, and sad, point of kelts that are returning to sea getting snagged in the nets. Those are definately fish we want to spawn again, considering that they made the journey once. With good forecasts for Spring Chinook and all the commercial fisheries dying to get their nets into them, that could wipe out a lot more of the strong steelhead on their way back to sea. So...anyone out there have any good news for a change?

Haven't heard anything on this so far this year, but it took place last year for sure.

Wonderful state we live in ... anything over the magic number the state puts out there is a "wasted fish", so let's feed it to a halibut instead of letting it spawn.

Wonder if any newsfolk would have to nerve to tackle this one??