Keith Lusher 04.08.25
A video of a confrontation between a charter boat captain and a young fisherman in Punta Gorda, Florida has gone viral, sparking discussions about proper conduct on the water and highlighting the importance of boating etiquette.
The Incident
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Gage Towles, a 22-year-old fisherman, was fishing alone near the US-41 bridge in Punta Gorda when he was approached by Brock Horner, the owner of Tarpon Coast Fishing Charters, and several passengers. The encounter, which Towles recorded and later posted to his YouTube channel SixFourFishing, quickly escalated into a heated altercation.
In the video, Horner accused Towles of cursing at him during an earlier encounter and operating without proper navigation lights. Towles repeatedly denied these accusations, explaining that it must have been another boater and that his lights had been on. Despite Towles’ attempts to de-escalate the situation, Horner grew increasingly agitated.
The confrontation took a dangerous turn when Horner declared himself “the best charter captain you will ever meet” before uninvitedly boarding Towles’ vessel. Towles, clearly shaken, can be heard pleading, “Chill bro, please!” and “I’m a kid!” as Horner continues his aggressive behavior.
The Aftermath
Following the incident, Towles filed a police report, and the video has garnered millions of views across social media platforms. The Punta Gorda Police Department, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the U.S. Coast Guard have all announced they are investigating the matter.
Through his attorney, Scott Weinberg, Horner has issued an apology to Towles and his family. The statement acknowledged that “what began as a moment of frustration and concern escalated in a way it simply should not have.” It also mentioned that Horner is a decorated combat veteran who suffered a traumatic brain injury while serving in Afghanistan, though he noted this was not meant as an excuse for his behavior.
Horner was arrested Friday (April 4th) and charged with burglary with assault or battery, which is a felony, according to Punta Gorda Police.
Police Chief Pam Smith announced during a press conference that Horner was released from Charlotte County Jail on Saturday morning after posting a $20,000 bond.
According to police, investigators established probable cause for Horner’s arrest after conducting several interviews with the victim and witnesses. The charge falls under Florida Statutes 810.02(2)(A) – Burglary with Assault or Battery (non-forced entry).
Boating Etiquette: A Necessary Reminder
As someone who was born and raised fishing the inshore marsh in Southeast LA, I’ve witnessed the gradual erosion of common courtesy that once defined our fishing community. The reality is simple: the law doesn’t stop at the shoreline. Being on a boat doesn’t grant immunity from rules that govern our behavior anywhere else.
When I was taught to fish as a child, the unwritten code was clear: respect other anglers, give them space, and never escalate disagreements. Today, I’ve watched tempers flare over fishing spots as if they’re worth risking freedom or even lives. They’re not. No fishing spot, no matter how productive, justifies confrontation, aggression, or worse.
The laws against trespassing, assault, harassment, and threatening behavior apply just as firmly on the water as they do on land. In fact, maritime law can carry additional penalties in many cases.
Personal Safety Above Pride
I’ve had my share of encounters with aggressive boaters. My approach has always been the same: disengage, document, and report if necessary. No fish is worth a fight. No territorial claim over public waters is worth potential shots fired. In the incident above, Towles demonstrated remarkable restraint that likely prevented the situation from becoming much worse.
Practical Guidelines for All Boaters
- Document Everything: Keep a camera or phone accessible. Video evidence can be crucial if incidents occur.
- Maintain Distance: If someone appears agitated, increase your distance immediately.
- Call for Help: Marine patrol and coast guard exist for a reason. Don’t hesitate to call them on your radio if threatened.
- Know Your Rights: Public waterways belong to everyone, but that doesn’t include the right to approach or board another’s vessel.
- Report Dangerous Behavior: If you witness someone operating unsafely or aggressively, report it to authorities. You might prevent someone else from being victimized.
The fishing community I grew up in looked out for one another. We waved as we passed by, offered help when needed, and shared the waters graciously. Let’s remember that tradition and pass it on to newer boaters. A fish isn’t worth your freedom, and a fishing spot isn’t worth anyone’s safety.
Water should be where we go to escape life’s stresses, not create new ones. Let’s keep it that way.
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