Tough times call for people to get creative. One of the most popular activities during a vacation to California is fishing, and there are over 100 places along the California coast where you can fish for free. While a fishing license is required for fishing in lakes and open bodies of water, a special law enacted years ago allows all ages to fish free off California public piers. With around 100 California public piers to enjoy, you'll get bit by the fishing craze, perhaps, and can spend an afternoon or day with little financial investment. Many piers rent rods & reels, plus bait and tackle, to get you launched in your newest adventure.

Popular Southern California fishing piers include Ocean Beach in San Diego, Imperial Beach, Oceanside Pier, San Clemente Pier, Newport Beach's two piers — Balboa & Newport, Huntington Beach Pier, Seal Beach, Belmont Shore, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach and Santa Monica.

On the Central Coast, be sure to check out Santa Barbara's Stearns Wharf, Ventura Pier, Pismo Beach Pier, and Avila Beach's two piers — Harford Wharf and Avila Beach Pier.

In the Bay Area there are a couple great fishing piers at Santa Cruz, Capitola, Half Moon Bay and Pacifica.

Northern Redwood Coast offers spectacular fishing at Point Arena-a must visit!

California fishing guidelines for catch & release, and advisories for eating fish are available from the Department of Fish & Game at  dfg.ca.gov