New holes at Bob Hall Pier are being called vandalism, as some fishermen cite missing amenities but say drilling isn’t the solution.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Nueces County officials say new holes have been discovered at Bob Hall Pier after photos and videos circulated on social media.
County Commissioner Brent Chesney said there are seven new holes, five drilled into the pier’s deck and two more on the rails. The damage started just a week after the pier reopened in February following major renovations.
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New holes found on Bob Hall Pier, officials warn of possible closure
Chesney called the damage vandalism and said that county leaders are working on the issue.
“It’s frustrating because you know, it is vandalism. You’re not supposed to go out and destroy somebody else’s property, and, you know, we’re gonna hold them accountable,” Chesney said. “The last thing we wanna do is have to shut the pier down to go repair it because we’re gonna have to go repair that.”
The popular fishing spot is now off to what some describe as a rocky start, as anglers and county leaders weigh in on the issue.
Ray Sandoval frequently visits the pier for shark fishing.
“We got a lot of gear out here, it costs money. We’re gonna lose them because the rod holders aren’t there on the ground for us,” Sandoval said.
Jason Gonzalez, another regular fisherman at the pier, said more amenities are still needed, some of which are on the way.
“I think they prematurely opened up the pier if you wanna be honest. We got no bait shop, barely parking. I have to park way over there,” Gonzalez said.
While both anglers say improvements are needed, they said they do not support people taking matters into their own hands and drilling holes.
“That thing causes major problems in the long run that could dry rot easily and make the floor weak in such spots, of course, and such like that. Honestly, I really wouldn’t say put the holes in the floor. I would just say put more PVC pipes all along the railings,” Gonzalez said.
Commissioner Chesney said the county is working on additional measures to prevent further damage.
“We’re gonna have to start looking at some other penalties like if we see you doing that, you may get banned from the pier. So if you are out there doing it the right way and you’re seeing someone mess with the pier, take a picture of it, send a video in,” Chesney said.
He added that increased security is also being considered.
“We’re gonna have to put some cameras up and as soon as the free period’s over, we’re gonna put a gate up and we’re gonna have a building out there, and we think that’ll knock some of it down,” Chesney said.
Chesney said whether rod holders will be added to the pier will be up to the Nueces County Coastal Parks Board.
Meanwhile, Sandoval said many anglers would welcome that addition.
“If somebody else comes out here that built this pier, and does it for us, then yes we will use them,” Sandoval said.
The Nueces County Coastal Parks Board is aware of the issue and plans to discuss it and consider options at its meeting later this month, according to board chairman Troy Adler.