A range of scientific activities support recreational fishing, from providing advice for management regulations, sustainability and resource sharing, to evaluating enhancement from artificial reefs and stocking. Recreational data is obtained by sampling recreational fishers and from various of other research activities. Guiding principles for the use of recreational fisheries data can positively influence decision-making. These include recommendations to: 1) define clear objectives for survey designs and outputs; 2) choose designs with regard to quality, timeliness, costs and respondent burden; 3) conform with scientific principles and standard procedures for data collection and processing; 4) ensure data confidentiality and appropriate use; 5) present information according to scientific standards with associated uncertainty; 6) comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse; 7) ensure relevant data, design and outcomes are made publically available; 8) ensure cooperation among agencies to achieve consistency and efficiency; 9) adopt performance measures for meeting objectives to improve accountability; and 10) develop strategies for effective linkages between scientific advice and decision-making. Common principles for collecting and reporting recreational fisheries data can build trust among stakeholders and ensure appropriate and robust information is used to support evidence-based decision-making.