An intense and potentially dangerous confrontation unfolded on the waters of Florida earlier this week, and it was all caught on video. The fiery altercation involved two boaters—Gage Towles, a young fisherman and content creator, and Brock Horner, a visibly enraged self-proclaimed charter captain—who clashed in a bizarre and heated exchange that’s now under investigation by local and federal authorities.
The incident took place on Tuesday, April 2, in Punta Gorda, a small coastal city in Florida known for recreational boating and fishing. What started as a disagreement over boating etiquette quickly escalated into an aggressive face-off that saw Horner boarding another man’s vessel without permission, sparking safety concerns and legal questions.
📹 The Confrontation Caught on Camera
In a now-viral YouTube video uploaded by Towles on his SixFourFishing channel, viewers can see the dramatic encounter play out in real-time. According to Towles, Horner approached his boat while visibly agitated, confronting him over a prior encounter that allegedly took place under a bridge several days earlier.
“Why did you cuss at me under the bridge?” Horner repeatedly asked, accusing Towles and his companions of disrespecting him as he passed by in a different vessel earlier that week. Towles attempted to clarify that he hadn’t cursed, although he admitted his crew may have expressed frustration at Horner’s reckless speed as he passed them too closely.
Tensions Escalate on Open Water
As the verbal dispute intensified, the situation took a startling turn. Horner, despite being uninvited and unwelcomed, suddenly leapt onto Towles’ boat, standing in close proximity to the visibly shaken fisherman. This physical act alone may qualify as unlawful boarding under maritime law, raising alarm among viewers and law enforcement alike.
Clearly distressed, Towles could be heard pleading with Horner to back off. “Chill, man! Chill!” he exclaimed. At one point, in an effort to deescalate the situation, the young man even apologized, stating, “I’m a kid!”
Eventually, Towles managed to escort Horner back to his own boat, and the confrontation ended without any physical violence—though not without fear and a now-open police investigation.
Authorities Launch Investigation
Following the incident, the Punta Gorda Police Department confirmed they had received a report regarding the altercation. In a statement released on Wednesday, they stated the matter is now under formal investigation, and they are being assisted by both the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) and the U.S. Coast Guard.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing. Law enforcement has not yet confirmed whether charges—such as assault, harassment, or illegal boarding—will be filed against Horner.
Legal Implications: Is Jumping on a Boat a Crime?
While arguments between boaters are not uncommon on busy waterways, boarding another person’s vessel without permission is no trivial matter. Under both Florida state law and federal maritime law, this act can be considered criminal trespass, especially if done in a threatening manner.
Furthermore, depending on the perceived threat level, such an incident could lead to charges including reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, or even simple assault, if the victim felt legitimately threatened.
Legal experts note that the presence of clear video evidence in this case could play a major role if charges are eventually filed.
The Fisherman Behind the Lens: Who Is Gage Towles?
Gage Towles is an up-and-coming fishing content creator with a growing following on social media platforms. His SixFourFishing features outdoor adventures, angling tutorials, and real-world encounters on the water. The video of the confrontation, titled “Guy Jumps on My Boat After Harassing Me,” has already garnered thousands of views and sparked heated discussions in the comments section.
Supporters have rallied behind Towles, praising him for keeping calm under pressure, de-escalating the situation, and providing the footage to hold the aggressor accountable.
Towles has yet to release an official statement about the confrontation, though his video speaks volumes about the emotional toll and potential danger involved.
Who Is Brock Horner?
Not much is publicly known about Brock Horner, but in the video, he refers to himself as a charter captain—suggesting he may run or operate a commercial boating service in the area. However, at the time of writing, no official charter license or business details tied to Horner have been confirmed by local authorities or boating registries.
In the footage, Horner appears confrontational and unapologetic, seemingly more focused on rehashing the past incident than resolving any current misunderstanding. His decision to board the vessel has drawn widespread criticism online, with many viewers calling his behavior “intimidating,” “dangerous,” and “irresponsible.”
Boating Safety and Etiquette: What You Should Know
This incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of boating etiquette, safe distances, and calm communication while on the water.
Key points for recreational boaters to remember:
- Maintain a safe wake zone around other vessels.
- Avoid speeding near bridges or populated fishing areas.
- Never board another boat without explicit permission.
- Use marine radios or polite verbal communication to resolve disputes.
- Call law enforcement or Coast Guard if a situation feels threatening.
Public Reaction and Viral Buzz
The viral nature of the video has sparked conversations across platforms like YouTube, Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, where boating enthusiasts and the general public alike are expressing outrage at Horner’s actions.
Many are now calling for stronger regulations and awareness campaigns to prevent similar altercations in the future—especially as recreational boating continues to surge in popularity across Florida.
What Happens Next?
With the investigation still underway, it’s unclear what consequences, if any, Brock Horner will face. However, given the public nature of the incident and the involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies, accountability may be on the horizon.
TMZ has reached out to Gage Towles for further comment, but as of now, no additional statement has been released. TMZ will continue to monitor the story for updates.
