such a strange response when we consider their other ideas of take.

That can't be correct.

Would it be different it they used a Gaff?

Sounds like a ticket to me 

I definitely think this is one of those cases where the officer would decide the call. For a child, I think they would be more understanding. You never know though.
For the salmon opener for 2012. I was fishing my powerboat.
I had my son and his friend onboard. I was so involved in making sure that they were all taken care of, I forgot my license.
Luckily I noticed I did not have my license before I attempted to fish rather than fishing and asked for license and not finding.
So, figured maybe my son and friend would have all the luck. And we did. Limits for both them.
Half way into catching the limits. DFW pulls up to my boat and asks to see license's. I quickly mention to them that I have a license and forgot it on shore and that I am not fishing. Check other licenses and all ok.
DFW them mentions to me that I am not allowed to handle any gear for them whatsoever.
At that moment , I thought that to be fishing poles and did not ask about handling a net for them. Wish I would have.

The funny part of the incident to me was that I was anticipating DFW pulling up to my boat and me being ready to explain to them about my license. About 15 minutes or so before the pull up to my boat. I had a strange feeling. I start to scan the fleet and outside of my circle, about 8 boats out of my perimeter. I see a boat that looks like DFW. I stare at them for a few minutes to confirm because I have no binoculars. Still not sure. Continue trolling. Then I see them make a B line straight towards me passing at least 8 boats to get to me. Did they see me staring at them? Or was my nervous meter going off the chart.  Either way, they weren't bad guys.

Alex