If the fish were not caught outside there would be tons inside. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you catch them in AK or BC, you won't catch those same fish in WA.

Kinda like in hunting horned or antlered game. Kill the males as soon as identifiable (spikes, 1/4 curl, etc.) you'll never get a big old one. But they will be dumber and easier to kill.