Big Bass Bonanza
Big Bass Bonanza is the fishing slot that started the Big Bass series, which now includes more than a dozen follow-ups. Developed by Reel Kingdom and distributed by Pragmatic Play, it uses a classic 5×3 layout with 10 paylines, but its free spins round adds a simple twist: fish symbols carry cash values, and every fisherman wild that lands collects them. Collect enough fishermen and the round retriggers with a bigger multiplier.
This review covers the paytable, how money symbols and the fisherman collection work, the retrigger ladder and the RTP, volatility and max win as listed in the game rules. If you are new to the series, the Big Bass Bonanza demo on this page is a free way to see how the feature plays out.
Where to Play Big Bass Bonanza
Big Bass Bonanza is available at most online casinos that offer Pragmatic Play games. The casinos below carry the provider’s slots, accept players from Australia and are reviewed on BetsAuthority. Before playing for real, open the game rules at the casino and check the RTP line, since operators can choose different settings.
Quick Facts About Big Bass Bonanza
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Slot | Big Bass Bonanza |
| Provider | Pragmatic Play (developed by Reel Kingdom) |
| Release | 2020 |
| Layout | 5 reels / 3 rows |
| Paylines | 10 fixed lines, left to right |
| RTP | 96.71% (per in-game rules; lower versions exist) |
| Volatility | Low (official in-game rating) |
| Bet range | 0.10 to 250 per spin (casino limits may differ) |
| Maximum win | 2,100x the bet |
| Money symbol values | 2x, 5x, 10x, 15x, 20x, 25x, 50x or 2,000x the total bet |
| Free spins | 10, 15 or 20 spins for 3, 4 or 5 scatters |
| Extras | Fisherman wild collects fish values; retriggers with 2x, 3x and 10x multipliers |
How Big Bass Bonanza Works
Wins are paid left to right on 10 fixed paylines, starting from the leftmost reel. The fishing float is the top symbol: five on a line pay 200x the total bet, four pay 20x, three pay 5x and even two pay 0.5x. The fishing rod pays up to 100x, the dragonfly and the tackle box up to 50x, and the fish symbol up to 20x. The card values A, K, Q, J and 10 all pay the same, 10x for five of a kind.
The base game is deliberately simple. There is no wild on the base reels, no tumble and no multiplier, so the larger wins depend on landing the bass scatter. The scatter can appear on every reel, and three or more anywhere trigger free spins.
Money Symbols Explained
The fish symbols double as money symbols. On every spin each fish takes a random cash value of 2x, 5x, 10x, 15x, 20x, 25x, 50x or 2,000x the total bet, shown directly on the symbol. In the base game these values are only for show, apart from the fish’s normal line pays. They can only be collected during free spins, which is why reels full of high-value fish in the base game can feel frustrating.
Free Spins and the Fisherman Wild
Three scatters award 10 free spins, four award 15 and five award 20. Special reels are used during the round, and the fisherman wild appears on all reels. He substitutes for every symbol except the scatter and, more importantly, collects the value of every money symbol on screen when he lands.
Every fisherman that lands is also added to a meter at the top of the screen. Every fourth wild collected retriggers the feature with 10 more free spins, and the multiplier applied to fish collections rises to 2x after the first retrigger, 3x after the second and 10x after the third. After the third retrigger the feature cannot be retriggered again. The game also has a random helper: when only one wild lands, fish money symbols can be added in random positions at the end of the spin.
The maximum win is 2,100x the bet. If the total of a free spins round reaches that figure, the round ends immediately, the win is paid and any remaining spins are forfeited.
RTP and Volatility
The demo’s rules screen lists a theoretical RTP of 96.71%, one of the higher figures among popular Pragmatic Play slots. Casinos can pick lower configurations of the same game, so always check the rules at the site where you play. The same screen rates the game low volatility, describing it as paying more often in smaller amounts while still offering a chance of a big win. In practice the base game produces regular small line wins, while the big payouts depend on fishermen meeting high-value fish during free spins.
Worked Example: A Fisherman Collection
Say you are playing A$1 per spin in free spins and three fish land showing A$2, A$5 and A$10. A fisherman lands on the same spin and collects A$17. If the round had already retriggered once, the 2x collection multiplier would make that A$34. Two fishermen on the same spin would each collect the full value, so the same fish would pay twice.
Bankroll Tips for Big Bass Bonanza
- Free spins carry most of the value, so plan for at least 200 spins per session.
- There is no bonus buy in the original game, which keeps costs predictable; avoid raising stakes to “force” a feature.
- Remember that fish values in the base game are not paid out; only fishermen in free spins collect them.
- Set a deposit limit and a session time before you play.
- Every spin is random, and a long run without scatters does not make the next one more likely.
Pros and Cons of Big Bass Bonanza
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High 96.71% RTP in the default version | Max win limited to 2,100x |
| Easy-to-follow collect mechanic | Base game has no wilds or modifiers |
| Retrigger ladder up to a 10x collection multiplier | Fish values only pay in free spins |
| Low official volatility | No bonus buy in the original version |
| Free demo available | Lower RTP versions exist at some casinos |
Demo Play vs Real Money
The demo uses the same maths as the real game, so it shows how often scatters arrive and how much a feature can pay. In the demo session captured for this review, free spins landed naturally after a few dozen spins at A$2, two fishermen were collected and the round paid A$48, or 24x the bet. Other rounds can pay much more or less, which is why demo play is a useful first step.
When you play for money, choose a casino that shows the RTP in the game info, pays withdrawals quickly and offers deposit limits. Our casino reviews can help you compare. The series has since grown with sequels such as Bigger Bass Bonanza and Big Bass Splash, but the original remains the simplest version to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
The in-game rules list a theoretical RTP of 96.71%. Some casinos use lower configurations, so check the rules screen where you play.
No. The game rules rate it as low volatility. Most of its bigger wins still come from the free spins feature.
Land 3, 4 or 5 bass scatters anywhere to win 10, 15 or 20 free spins.
He appears only in free spins, substitutes for all symbols except the scatter and collects the cash values of all fish money symbols on screen.
Every fourth fisherman collected awards 10 more free spins and raises the collection multiplier to 2x, 3x and then 10x. The feature can retrigger up to three times.
The maximum win is 2,100x the bet. A free spins round ends immediately if it reaches that cap.
Responsible Gaming Note
Big Bass Bonanza is meant for entertainment, not as a way to make money. Only play if you are 18 or older, set limits on time and money before you start and stop when you reach them. If gambling is affecting you or someone close to you, free and confidential support is available 24/7 from Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858.
Final Verdict
Big Bass Bonanza is easy to understand: wait for scatters, then hope fishermen and high-value fish land together. The in-game rules list a 96.71% RTP and a low volatility rating, and the max win is capped at 2,100x the bet, modest by today’s standards. It suits players who want a simple feature-driven slot. Try the demo first and confirm the RTP at your casino before playing for real.
