Fishing regulations

Question
I was wondering, I know if you get caught fishing without a license you can get your equipment taken away and get a hefty fine. I personally don't have to worry about this problem since I always buy a license every year. The problem is that I have that one friend in my group that's just to cheap to buy one come around every year. Even after I told him what could happen if he was caught he still doesn't want to dish out for a license and say's that he'll take his chances. Well my real question was, if by some chance he was to get caught and was with me or some other of my buddies (who had a licenses) would I or they get a fine or or get their equipment confiscated as well just for being with someone who didn't Have a license, or would just my cheap buddie be affected? Thanks

Answer
Ok I have to answer this with the preface that it is based on information I obtained from asking a FLORIDA FWC OFFICER. I cannot legally give you advice but based on his answer the individual without the license will be the only person that RECEIVES the ticket. Typically they will not sieze equipment (boats, poles etc...) unless there is a VERY large violation like way over limit on numbers or size. Also it may be hard to pinpoint 'WHICH FISH' is WHO's? so make sure if your keeping the fish together that you tag your own fish. A Stringer or other indication with a name will help the officer in determining who has fish and should be accountable for what fish. If your buddy is fishing in your boat and has fish in your (the captain's) live well then in essence the Officer could say they are your fish and your buddy would be off the Hook (nice pun) BUT if there is a limit of 2 fish of a certain type and you have 6 and there are 3 people fishing it would be logically assumed that each of you had your limit of 2 and regardless of tagging or not he would be responsible for 2 fish and probably receive a nice ticket to the Wildlife commission ball that would cost about $80 per fish. A nice contribution that the rest of us fisherman are more then willing to accept to help those of us that only contribute $17 a year to the cause by way of our license.
It is people like your buddy that we all hope get caught so that they can contribute more then enough to keep our license costs down.

I do have to caveat this by saying CHECK YOUR LOCAL LAWS this is the opinion of one FLORIDA FWC OFFICER and you received it by secondhand means therefore it cannot be considered legal advice and you are at the mercy of the Wildlife Officer that may be having a bad day and decide to check you out twice as hard just because.

My Advice. If your going on a boat. and it is your boat. Tell him he cannot come because he doesn't have a license. If your fishing from the shore and he gets caught a good chuckle and a "I Told you so is a very good kick in the but reminder". Make sure you thank him for making his contribution too. Better Safe then Sorry.

Hope that helps but again Call your local wildlife conservation officers and ask this question for TRUE advice and opinion in your area or state.