Fishing Tournament Animal Crossing: Everything You Need to Know

The Fishing Tournament in Animal Crossing is an event where you try to catch as much fish as possible in three minutes.

[Event Info] Once you've had enough time to settle into your island life, we'll start holding events for island residents! Indeed, Fishing Tourneys will be held on the second Saturday of April, July, October, and January. On some islands, they may already be in full swing! pic.twitter.com/r1ZYKBhtlS
— Tom Nook (@animalcrossing) April 11, 2020

Fishing Tournament Animal Crossing: Everything You Need to Know

CJ the Beaver runs the fishing tourney, and your first entry is free. After that, it costs 500 bells, and you can enter as many times as you want until 6 p.m.

When you agree to enter, he'll start a three minute timer. You have to catch as many fish as possible within those three minutes, earning a point for each fish. Getting at least three fish will get you a two point bonus. Unlike previous games, the quality of the fish you catch won't matter.

The fish you catch will automatically be sent to CJ's cooler, where you can pick out fish you want to keep (in case you caught something new) or you can sell them to CJ for his usual increased buying price.

After you empty your cooler, you can enter the tournament again or redeem your points. You can cash in 10 points for a fish themed item.

Anchor statue
Fish Doorplate
Fish-drying Rack
Fish Pochette
Fish Print
Fish Print Tee
Fish Rug
Fish Umbrella
Fish Wand
Fishing-rod Sand
Fresh Cooler
Marine Pop Wallpaper
Marine Pop Floor
Tackle Bag

Additionally, getting 100 total points will earn you a bronze fishing trophy. 200 gets you silver, and 300 is gold. Don't worry about the 500 bell fee, if you just sell off your catches before the next run you'll always turn a profit.

If you want to rack up as many points as possible in a single run, you can craft fishing bait from manila clams you dig up on the beach. It seems only about five fish appear in three minutes if you're lucky, and if you're unlucky you'll dredge up an egg during the first tournament.

Perseverance is key for this event, so don't give up and keep fishing!