Fishing license question

[jsm9437]

Trying to take father in law from Texas cast netting for shrimp.
If he is simply a by stander in the process, does he still need a fishing license?

[keakar]

I believe it is like fishing, as long as he isn't holding gear or have extra gear near him he isn't fishing.

I was told by a game warden that according to the "rule book", if there are 4 people in a boat and 4 poles in the boat, then all are considered to be fishing and need licenses, but he also said they don't go "by the book" on that, and usually only require licenses from those they see holding or using the poles