Can You Sell Fish to CJ on Other Islands in Animal Crossing?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short, definitive answer is no, you cannot sell fish to CJ on another player’s island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. CJ, the charismatic beaver who loves fishing, is a special visitor to your island, and his services are exclusive to the island’s residents. This means that while you can visit friends, catch fish to your heart’s content, and explore their environments, you won’t be able to cash in on your catches by selling them to CJ when you’re not on your own island. This restriction applies to both CJ and Flick, the bug enthusiast – neither will purchase from visitors.
Understanding CJ’s Role and Island Visits
CJ’s visits are a highly anticipated event for many Animal Crossing players. He randomly appears on your island, and when he does, he offers a unique opportunity to make some serious Bells by purchasing your fish for 150% of their standard Nook’s Cranny price. This means that if Timmy and Tommy would pay 100 Bells for a fish, CJ will pay you 150 Bells for the same fish. Given that some fish are quite valuable, saving them up for CJ can significantly boost your earnings.
He usually stays on your island for a full 24 hours, from 5 AM to 5 AM the following day. He’ll also set up a booth near Resident Services during the Fishing Tourney event. This event is a great way to earn points and sell to him in quick succession, though the selling option is still only available to the host island’s player.
The Limitation of Selling on Other Islands
The restriction on selling to CJ (and Flick) while visiting other islands is a deliberate design choice by Nintendo. It encourages players to actively participate in their own island’s ecosystem and emphasizes the personal achievement of building your own island economy. It also keeps things fair, as visitors could potentially exploit other players’ resources and visitor characters if the restriction didn’t exist. When you are visiting another island, CJ will typically say that you’re visiting from off-island, recommending that you ask locals for fishing spots. He will also mention that he’s in town for a bit and will “catch up” with you when he’s back on your island. This is a clear indicator that you cannot sell to him while visiting.
Alternatives for Selling Fish
Since you can’t sell fish to CJ on another island, you’ll need to find other avenues. The primary method is to sell at your own island’s Nook’s Cranny. Timmy and Tommy will buy your fish at the standard price. If you’re in a hurry and the shop is closed, you can use the drop box outside the store, but be aware that you’ll only receive 80% of the fish’s regular selling price. It’s often better to wait until the next day when the shop is open, unless you are simply looking to quickly empty your inventory. The best strategy is to hold onto the fish until CJ (or Flick for bugs) appears on your island so you can cash in at the 150% price.
Why Save Fish for CJ?
With his enhanced pricing, CJ offers a substantial incentive to accumulate fish in your inventory. By strategically waiting for his visits, you can maximize your profits and invest those extra Bells back into your island. This is particularly beneficial when you catch valuable species such as the Golden Trout or the Coelacanth, which sell for significantly higher prices to CJ compared to Nook’s Cranny.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does CJ Buy Sea Creatures?
No, CJ only purchases fish. He doesn’t buy sea creatures caught through diving. So don’t stockpile sea creatures if you’re expecting to sell them to him for extra bells.
2. What is the Most Valuable Fish to Sell to CJ?
The Coelacanth, caught in the sea during rainy or snowy weather, fetches the highest price when sold to CJ, at 22,500 bells. The Golden Trout and Stringfish are also very valuable river fish to sell to CJ.
3. How Do I Know When CJ is Visiting My Island?
Unfortunately, Isabelle does not announce CJ’s visits. You need to check your island periodically to see if he’s there. He’ll be roaming around your island, usually in a prominent place like the beach or near the Resident Services building. He typically visits once every two weeks and stays for 24 hours.
4. Does CJ Buy All Fish Types?
Yes, CJ will buy any fish you have caught, as long as it’s not a sea creature. The only exception to his buying is when the Fishing Tourney is happening and he asks you to sell fish to him.
5. Do You Need to Participate in the Fishing Tournament to Sell to CJ?
While selling to CJ during the Fishing Tourney is possible, you may need to participate at least once. Once you participate, an option appears, that allows you to either sell fish or exchange tournament points for stuff.
6. Is it Better to Sell to CJ or Nook’s Cranny?
Definitely sell to CJ. He offers 150% of the price Nook’s Cranny offers. If you have the patience to wait for CJ, you’ll get the best return on your fishing efforts.
7. Can You Sell Fish to CJ After the Tournament?
Yes, after participating in the Fishing Tournament once, you will be given the option to sell fish to CJ. This option will appear even if you don’t want to exchange points for tournament prizes.
8. Can CJ Turn Fish into Models?
Yes, once you sell CJ three of the same fish, he can make a model of that fish for you. This is a great way to create unique decorations for your island.
9. What is the Lowest Selling Fish in ACNH?
The Tadpole is the lowest-selling fish, at only 100 Bells when sold to Nook’s Cranny.
10. How Often Does CJ Visit?
CJ visits your island roughly every other week and stays for 24 hours. There’s no set schedule; his visits are random.
11. How Long Does CJ Stay on Your Island?
CJ will stay on your island for a full 24 hours, from 5 AM to 5 AM the next day, unless it is a Fishing Tourney event.
12. Is it Worth Saving Fish for CJ?
Yes, absolutely. The extra 50% payout from CJ makes it highly beneficial to save your fish for his visit, particularly when you catch valuable species.
13. Can I Sell Bugs to CJ?
No, CJ only deals with fish. To sell bugs for a boosted price, you need to wait for Flick to appear on your island. He will give you 150% of the standard price like CJ.
14. Is it Possible to Time Travel to get CJ on my Island?
Yes, many players use time travel to see if they can get a specific villager to visit. However, the randomness can sometimes mean that it can take many hours of time travel for a specific villager to appear.
15. Is CJ Dating Flick?
There is no official confirmation of them dating, but the game does make it clear that they are partners. CJ frequently mentions Flick as his partner.