One week after reopening, Nueces County officials report vandalism at Bob Hall Pier

County officials said anglers drilled holes into the deck of the newly reopened Bob Hall Pier, prompting frustration and increased patrols.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — One week after the opening of the new Bob Hall Pier, Nueces County officials say they are frustrated by reports of anglers drilling holes into the brand-new deck.

Videos circulating on social media show a man drilling a hole into the deck of the newly reopened pier on Padre Island to secure a fishing rod. Officials say multiple holes have since been found.

The pier reopened to the public last week after being closed for six years, drawing eager fishermen back to the popular spot.

“We’re happy to be here… You know what they say, ‘you build it, we come,’” a group of local fishermen said.

For Raymond B. Almaguer, the pier holds decades of memories.

“Been fishing out here since I was nine and this is home,” Almaguer said.

More than 60 years later, he still returns regularly. 

“There’s too many people that call it home. We don’t go to your house and drill holes in your door,” Almaguer said.

He said he does not want one person’s actions to jeopardize access for the broader community.

“Those are all my rods, those five rods over there. I know when something hits it,” he said.

Scott Cross, Director of Nueces County Coastal Parks, has spent years working on the pier’s renovation.

“I had never anticipated anybody drilling holes in our deck out here on this pier,” Cross said.

He said he supports alternatives that do not damage the structure, such as using PVC pipes to secure fishing rods that anglers can use while at the pier and then remove.

Cross said the county is working with the Nueces County Sheriff’s Office and increasing patrols to prevent further damage.

“Worked with the Sheriff’s Office and I’m hiring off-duty sheriff deputies that I’m paying for out of my budget to patrol this pier,” Cross said.

Nueces County Commissioner Brent Chesney said the fisherman seen in the initial video is facing consequences.

“It has been turned over to law enforcement just like every other vandalism will be turned over to law enforcement,” Chesney said. “And now we’re asking people out there to self-police and help us and take all video evidence because we don’t want this to ruin it for all the people, the 99.9% of the people that use it the right way.”

Cross said the first 90 days of access to the pier are free to the public. After that, there will be controlled access.