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 several 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 state of affairs, Horner grew more and more agitated.
The confrontation took a harmful flip when Horner declared himself “the perfect constitution captain you’ll ever meet” earlier than uninvitedly boarding Towles’ vessel. Towles, clearly shaken, might be heard pleading, “Chill bro, please!” and “I’m a child!” as Horner continues his aggressive habits.
The Aftermath
Following the incident, Towles filed a police report, and the video has garnered tens of millions 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 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 means it merely mustn’t have.” It additionally talked about that Horner is a embellished fight veteran who suffered a traumatic mind harm whereas serving in Afghanistan, although he famous this was not meant as an excuse for his habits.
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 response to police, investigators established possible trigger for Horner’s arrest after conducting a number of interviews with the sufferer and witnesses. The cost falls underneath 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 when outlined our fishing group. The truth is easy: the legislation doesn’t cease on the shoreline. Being on a ship doesn’t grant immunity from guidelines that govern our habits anyplace else.
After I was taught to fish as a toddler, the unwritten code was clear: respect different anglers, give them area, and by no means escalate disagreements. At this time, 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, regardless of how productive, justifies confrontation, aggression, or worse.
The legal guidelines towards trespassing, assault, harassment, and threatening habits 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 Pleasure
I’ve had my share of encounters with aggressive boaters. My strategy has at all times been the identical: disengage, doc, and report if vital. No fish is price a battle. No territorial declare over public waters is price potential pictures fired. Within the incident above, Towles demonstrated exceptional restraint that doubtless prevented the state of affairs from turning into a lot worse.
Sensible Tips for All Boaters
- Doc Every thing: Maintain a digicam or telephone accessible. Video proof might 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 embrace the proper to strategy or board one other’s vessel.
- Report Harmful Habits: In the event you witness somebody working unsafely or aggressively, report it to authorities. You may stop another person from being victimized.
The fishing group I grew up in regarded out for each other. We waved as we handed by, supplied assist when wanted, and shared the waters graciously. Let’s keep in mind that custom and cross it on to newer boaters. A fish isn’t price your freedom, and a fishing spot isn’t price anybody’s security.
Water ought to be the place we go to flee life’s stresses, not create new ones. Let’s maintain it that means.
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