Who Buys Fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons? A Comprehensive Guide

In the delightful world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, fishing is more than just a relaxing pastime; it’s a crucial activity for making bells, the game’s currency. But who exactly buys all those slippery critters you reel in? This article dives deep into the vendors who purchase your finned finds, offering valuable insights and answering all your burning questions about selling fish in ACNH.

The primary characters who will buy your fish are Timmy and Tommy Nook at Nook’s Cranny, and C.J., a special visitor. While Timmy and Tommy are always available at the shop, C.J. is a traveling vendor who visits your island randomly, offering a significantly higher price for your catches. Understanding how each of these characters operates can significantly impact your in-game wealth.

Nook’s Cranny: Your Everyday Fish Vendor

Timmy and Tommy’s Basic Fish Purchases

The Nooklings at Nook’s Cranny are your most consistent buyers. They will purchase any fish you bring them at their base price. This is the standard rate you will always get for fish, making them a reliable, if not the most lucrative, option for selling your aquatic inventory. They buy all types of fish, from common to rare, without any requirements or challenges. If you need quick cash without waiting for a special visitor, Nook’s Cranny is your go-to.

C.J.: The High-Paying Seasports Fanatic

C.J.’s Premium Fish Prices

C.J. is an otter who is passionate about seasports and fishing. He visits your island randomly and provides an opportunity to earn significantly more bells for your fish. Unlike Timmy and Tommy, C.J. pays 150% of the fish’s original price. This makes him the most profitable option for selling your catches. For example, if a fish sells for 1,000 bells at Nook’s Cranny, C.J. will purchase it for 1,500 bells.

The Seasports Challenge

Before C.J. will start buying your fish at his premium rate, he will ask you to complete a Seasports Challenge. This mini-game involves catching a specific number of fish in a given amount of time. Once you complete the challenge, he’ll be happy to purchase as many fish as you can provide. C.J. won’t buy sea creatures, which are caught by diving, he will only purchase fish.

C.J.’s Model Service

In addition to buying fish, C.J. also offers a model service. If you give him three of the same type of fish, he will send you a model of that fish in the mail the next day. This is a great option if you are a collector or want to decorate your island.

Who Pays More: Nook’s Cranny or C.J.?

It’s quite clear that C.J. pays considerably more for fish. He offers a premium of 150% of the base price. Timmy and Tommy, while readily available, only offer the standard price. If your primary goal is to maximize your earnings from fishing, waiting for C.J. to visit is the most effective strategy.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Selling Fish in ACNH

1. Can I sell fish to C.J. on another player’s island?

Unfortunately, no. C.J. will only buy fish from residents of the island he’s visiting. He will make a remark that you are a visitor and will suggest you speak to a local about good fishing spots.

2. Does C.J. buy sea creatures?

No, C.J. does not buy sea creatures. He only purchases fish that are caught with a fishing rod. Sea creatures can be sold to Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny at their standard price.

3. How often does C.J. visit my island?

C.J.’s visits, like other special characters, are random. There’s no set schedule, and you can have only one special visitor per day, so it’s a good idea to check your island daily. He’ll usually appear once every few weeks.

4. What is the most expensive fish to sell to C.J.?

Several fish sell for the most with C.J.’s premium rate, including the Golden Trout, Stringfish, Coelacanth, Barreleye, Dorado, and the Great White Shark. These can sell for 22,500 bells each when sold to C.J.

5. What is the lowest-selling fish?

The tadpole is the lowest-selling fish, going for only 100 bells at Nook’s Cranny and 150 to C.J.

6. Will C.J. buy fish after a Fishing Tournament?

Yes, C.J. will buy fish after a Fishing Tournament. You can sell any fish you have stored in the cooler to him at the usual 150% rate.

7. How do I know if C.J. is visiting my island?

Unfortunately, Isabelle does not announce when C.J. is on your island. You’ll need to explore the island yourself to find him.

8. What are the best strategies to maximize fish sales with C.J.?

• Stockpile: Save up your fish before C.J. arrives.
• Focus on Rare Fish: Prioritize catching high-value fish.
• Time Travel: Some players may time travel to manipulate the chances of C.J.’s visits but this is a choice.

9. Can I use a Nook Miles Ticket to find C.J. on another island?

No, C.J. only appears on your own island. You cannot use Nook Miles Tickets to travel to an island where C.J. is visiting another player.

10. Can I commission a fish model from C.J. if I only have two of the same fish?

No, C.J. requires exactly three fish of the same species to create a model.

11. How long does it take for C.J. to mail the fish model?

C.J. will mail the fish model to you the following day. You will find it in your mailbox.

12. Do fish models sell for a lot?

Fish models cannot be sold. They are decorative items to be used on your island or in your house.

13. How do I complete the Seasports Challenge?

C.J. will ask you to catch a certain number of fish within a set time limit. Focus on common fish with large shadows to catch the required amount quickly.

14. Does C.J. sell anything besides models and buy fish?

No, C.J. only buys fish and creates models. He does not have a shop or sell items like some of the other special characters.

15. How much do guppies sell for?

Guppies sell for 1,300 Bells at Nook’s Cranny. This will be significantly more when sold to C.J. at 150% of their original value.

Conclusion

Understanding the different vendors in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is crucial for making the most of your fishing endeavors. While Nook’s Cranny provides a reliable, constant source of income, C.J. offers a significant profit boost for your catches, making him the ultimate fish vendor. By knowing when to sell and which fish to prioritize, you can quickly earn bells and build the island of your dreams. Happy fishing!