Keith Lusher 04.08.25
A video of a confrontation between a constitution boat captain and a younger fisherman in Punta Gorda, Florida has gone viral, sparking discussions about correct conduct on the water and highlighting the significance of cruising etiquette.
The Incident
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Gage Towles, a 22-year-old fisherman, was fishing alone close to the US-41 bridge in Punta Gorda when he was approached by Brock Horner, the proprietor of Tarpon Coast Fishing Charters, and a number of other passengers. The encounter, which Towles recorded and later posted to his YouTube channel SixFourFishing, shortly escalated right into a heated altercation.
Within the video, Horner accused Towles of cursing at him throughout an earlier encounter and working with out correct navigation lights. Towles repeatedly denied these accusations, explaining that it should have been one other boater and that his lights had been on. Regardless of Towles’ makes an attempt to de-escalate the scenario, Horner grew more and more agitated.
The confrontation took a harmful flip when Horner declared himself “one of the best constitution captain you’ll ever meet” earlier than uninvitedly boarding Towles’ vessel. Towles, clearly shaken, will be heard pleading, “Chill bro, please!” and “I’m a child!” as Horner continues his aggressive conduct.
The Aftermath
Following the incident, Towles filed a police report, and the video has garnered hundreds of thousands of views throughout social media platforms. The Punta Gorda Police Division, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Fee, and the U.S. Coast Guard have all introduced they’re investigating the matter.
By means of his lawyer, Scott Weinberg, Horner has issued an apology to Towles and his household. The assertion acknowledged that “what started as a second of frustration and concern escalated in a method it merely mustn’t have.” It additionally talked about that Horner is a adorned fight veteran who suffered a traumatic mind damage whereas serving in Afghanistan, although he famous this was not meant as an excuse for his conduct.
Horner was arrested Friday (April 4th) and charged with housebreaking with assault or battery, which is a felony, in line with Punta Gorda Police.
Police Chief Pam Smith introduced throughout a press convention that Horner was launched from Charlotte County Jail on Saturday morning after posting a $20,000 bond.
In line with police, investigators established possible trigger for Horner’s arrest after conducting a number of interviews with the sufferer and witnesses. The cost falls below Florida Statutes 810.02(2)(A) – Housebreaking with Assault or Battery (non-forced entry).
Boating Etiquette: A Obligatory Reminder
As somebody who was born and raised fishing the inshore marsh in Southeast LA, I’ve witnessed the gradual erosion of frequent courtesy that after outlined our fishing neighborhood. The fact is easy: the legislation doesn’t cease on the shoreline. Being on a ship doesn’t grant immunity from guidelines that govern our conduct wherever else.
Once I was taught to fish as a baby, the unwritten code was clear: respect different anglers, give them house, and by no means escalate disagreements. In the present day, I’ve watched tempers flare over fishing spots as in the event that they’re price risking freedom and even lives. They’re not. No fishing spot, irrespective of how productive, justifies confrontation, aggression, or worse.
The legal guidelines in opposition to trespassing, assault, harassment, and threatening conduct apply simply as firmly on the water as they do on land. In truth, maritime legislation can carry extra penalties in lots of circumstances.
Private Security Above Satisfaction
I’ve had my share of encounters with aggressive boaters. My strategy has all the time been the identical: disengage, doc, and report if essential. No fish is price a battle. No territorial declare over public waters is price potential pictures fired. Within the incident above, Towles demonstrated outstanding restraint that possible prevented the scenario from turning into a lot worse.
Sensible Tips for All Boaters
- Doc Every thing: Maintain a digital camera or cellphone accessible. Video proof will be essential if incidents happen.
- Keep Distance: If somebody seems agitated, enhance your distance instantly.
- Name for Assist: Marine patrol and coast guard exist for a purpose. Don’t hesitate to name them in your radio if threatened.
- Know Your Rights: Public waterways belong to everybody, however that doesn’t embody the precise to strategy or board one other’s vessel.
- Report Harmful Conduct: Should you witness somebody working unsafely or aggressively, report it to authorities. You may stop another person from being victimized.
The fishing neighborhood I grew up in appeared out for each other. We waved as we handed by, provided assist when wanted, and shared the waters graciously. Let’s do not forget that custom and move it on to newer boaters. A fish isn’t price your freedom, and a fishing spot isn’t price anybody’s security.
Water needs to be the place we go to flee life’s stresses, not create new ones. Let’s maintain it that method.
