The recreational fishing activity presented in this article provides a hands-on, problem-based experience for students; it unites biology, math, economics, environmental policy, and population dynamics concepts. In addition, the activity allows students to shape environmental policy in a realistic setting and evaluate their peers' work. By focusing on recreational--rather than commercial--fisheries, the activity drives home the connection between students and natural resources and makes an abstract topic more personal. (Contains 4 figures and lists 1 online resource.)