Does CJ Pay More for Fish Than Nook? The Ultimate Guide to Selling Fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
The simple answer is a resounding yes! CJ, the boisterous beaver, pays significantly more for fish than Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH). Specifically, CJ buys fish for 150% of their standard selling price, making him a far more lucrative option for anglers looking to maximize their Bell earnings. Understanding when and how to utilize CJ’s visits is crucial for any islander wanting to get rich through fishing.
Maximizing Your Profits with CJ
How Much More Does CJ Pay?
While Nook’s Cranny offers the base price for all fish, CJ’s offer of 1.5 times the usual price is a game-changer. For example, a Coelacanth sells for 15,000 Bells at Nook’s Cranny, but CJ will pay a whopping 22,500 Bells for the same fish. This significant increase in earnings makes CJ a highly sought-after visitor on any ACNH island.
When Does CJ Visit?
CJ’s visits are random. He appears on your island and will stay until 5 AM the next day. Unfortunately, unlike some special visitors, Isabelle does not announce CJ’s arrival in her morning broadcast. Therefore, you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled as you explore your island. It’s always a good idea to check the beach, rivers, and clifftops regularly to spot him.
The Seasports Challenge
Before CJ starts buying your fish, he will first challenge you to his “Seasports Challenge”. This usually involves catching a certain number of fish, often three or five, of any kind within a set time limit. Once you successfully complete the challenge, you can then sell him your entire fish inventory.
Beyond Sales: The Model
In addition to buying your fish at an inflated price, CJ will also create fish models for you. If you give him three of the same fish, he will send you a custom model of that fish to your mailbox the next day. This is a fantastic way to decorate your island or house and show off your fishing prowess.
The Most Profitable Fish to Sell to CJ
While CJ offers 150% of the regular price for all fish, some fish are naturally more valuable than others. Therefore, focusing on catching these high-value fish will maximize your profit during CJ’s visit. Some of the most lucrative fish to sell to CJ include:
- Stringfish: Known for its large shadow and found in river clifftops, this fish sells for 15,000 Bells at Nook’s, and 22,500 Bells to CJ.
- Golden Trout: Another difficult-to-catch fish found in high-mountain streams, the Golden Trout also sells for 15,000 Bells at Nook’s, and 22,500 Bells to CJ.
- Dorado: These fish are found in rivers during the summer, and they also sell for 15,000 Bells at Nook’s, or 22,500 Bells to CJ.
- Coelacanth: A rare fish caught in the sea while it is raining, also selling for 15,000 Bells at Nook’s Cranny, and 22,500 Bells to CJ.
- Barreleye: Caught in the sea, these are also worth 15,000 Bells at Nook’s Cranny and 22,500 Bells to CJ.
- Great White Shark: A sea-based shark fin fish that is also worth 15,000 Bells at Nook’s Cranny and 22,500 Bells to CJ.
Other valuable fish include the Oarfish (9,000 Bells at Nook’s, 13,500 Bells to CJ) and the Tuna (7,000 Bells at Nook’s, 10,500 Bells to CJ). It’s worth noting that no matter the selling price of any fish, they will always make more money when sold to CJ.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does CJ buy sea creatures?
No, CJ does not buy sea creatures. He only buys fish that you catch with a rod. If you want to sell sea creatures, you must sell them at Nook’s Cranny.
2. Can I still sell fish to CJ after the Fishing Tourney?
Yes, you can sell fish to CJ after the Fishing Tourney. He also has a “sell” option that appears after you complete one tournament challenge.
3. Do the prices for fish fluctuate at Nook’s Cranny?
No, the prices for fish at Nook’s Cranny are fixed. They do not change based on time or any other factors.
4. Is there a “best” time of day to sell to CJ?
No, the time of day you sell to CJ does not affect the price. The 150% markup is always constant while he is on your island.
5. Does CJ buy fish during Fishing Tourneys?
Yes, CJ is the host of the Fishing Tourneys. During a tourney, he has an option to sell you fish.
6. Can CJ buy fish from other players’ islands?
No, CJ will only buy fish from the player on whose island he is visiting. You cannot take fish from your island to sell them to CJ on another player’s island.
7. Is there a limit to how many fish I can sell to CJ?
No, there is no limit. You can sell as many fish as you have in your pockets or storage. He will continue buying your fish until he leaves the island at 5 AM.
8. Does CJ pay more for any specific type of fish?
No, CJ pays the same 150% rate for all fish. The amount you earn depends entirely on the base value of each specific fish.
9. What happens if I don’t sell all my fish to CJ before he leaves?
If you do not sell all your fish to CJ before he leaves, they will retain their original price. You can then sell them at Nook’s Cranny, or store them for the next time CJ visits.
10. Is CJ’s 150% markup worth the wait?
Absolutely! If you are trying to maximize your Bell profits from fishing, waiting for CJ is crucial. The extra 50% can quickly add up, especially when selling rarer, more expensive fish.
11. Will CJ buy fish if I caught them before he arrived on my island?
Yes, CJ will buy any fish you have, regardless of when or where you caught them, as long as they are fish (not sea creatures).
12. Does selling to the Drop-Off Box get me less than the Nook prices?
Yes, selling your fish and bugs at Nook’s Cranny is usually the best choice. If you deposit them into the drop box outside Nook’s Cranny, you will only receive 80% of the standard price. Always opt to sell them inside the store during open hours.
13. What is the lowest selling fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
The lowest selling fish in ACNH is the Tadpole, which sells for a measly 100 bells at Nook’s Cranny.
14. Should I donate my rare fish to the museum or sell them?
This decision depends on your priorities. If you’re working towards completing your museum collection, donate the first catch of any fish. If you’re more focused on earning Bells, sell your extras, especially to CJ.
15. Does CJ and Flick’s relationship affect the game?
No, CJ and Flick’s relationship as “partners” is purely for character development. It does not impact gameplay mechanics, including selling or prices. They are roommates and business partners who share a passion for nature.
By understanding how CJ works and timing your fishing correctly, you can significantly boost your earnings in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Keep an eye out for this boisterous beaver, and you’ll be on your way to becoming an ACNH millionaire in no time!