Big Bass Bonanza
Big Bass Bonanza by Pragmatic Play is the fishing-themed pokie that cast its line and caught the hearts of players worldwide—especially here in NZ. Simple, effective, and loaded with Free Spins, money symbol collection, and retriggering multipliers, it’s a high-volatility slot with down-to-earth charm and a maximum win of 2,100x your stake.
Whether you're new to the Big Bass series or just craving a more laid-back but rewarding spin, Big Bass Bonanza remains a true classic. And if you're keen to explore other online pokies with bonus-packed features, SpinBit has plenty more on the hook.
Let’s cast off and see why this one’s still reeling in the wins.
Theme and Graphics
The game is set underwater, with a clear view of reeds, bubbles, and fish silhouettes gently swimming in the background. The visuals are charming and light-hearted—nothing fancy, but packed with personality. And when you hit the bonus round, the bearded fisherman appears to reel in fish money symbols, giving you that satisfying collection moment every time.
Symbols are cartoonish but well-designed:
- Fish-shaped money symbols show cash values
- Tackle boxes, rods, dragonflies, and floats all bring the fishing theme to life
- The scatter is a golden fish, and the wild is the fisherman himself
The soundtrack features playful banjo music and soft water sounds—relaxing and immersive, without being intrusive.
Gameplay Mechanics
Big Bass Bonanza is played on a 5-reel, 3-row grid with 10 fixed paylines. Wins are awarded left to right when you land 3 or more matching symbols. But let’s be honest—the base game is just the warm-up. The Free Spins bonus is where this game truly shines.
Symbols
- Low-paying: 10, J, Q, K, A – classic card icons
- Mid-paying: Fishing tackle, dragonflies, rods
- High-paying: Float and fishing box
- Money symbol: Fish with random values (available in Free Spins only)
- Scatter: Big golden bass – triggers Free Spins
- Wild: Fisherman – appears during Free Spins to collect money symbols
Betting Range
Bet from $0.10 to $250 per spin, making it accessible for casual players and high-rollers alike. You can also activate the Ante Bet, which increases your bet by 50% but doubles your chance of triggering Free Spins.
Free Spins & Bonus Rounds
The entire game centres around the Free Spins feature, which is where the collector mechanic and progressive multipliers kick in.
Triggering Free Spins
Land 3 or more Scatter symbols (golden fish) on a single spin:
- 3 Scatters = 10 Free Spins
- 4 Scatters = 15 Free Spins
- 5 Scatters = 20 Free Spins
Free Spins Features
Here’s where it gets fun:
- Money symbols (fish) land with random cash values
- Every time the fisherman Wild lands, he collects all fish cash values on the screen
- Each 4 Wilds collected during Free Spins retriggers the bonus:
- +10 additional Free Spins
- 2x multiplier on all fish collections in the second round
- 3x multiplier in the third
- 10x multiplier in the final round
You can retrigger up to 3 times, meaning a total of 40 extra Free Spins if things go your way.
Bonus Modifiers
During Free Spins, random features can activate:
- Hook Feature: Pulls a fisherman Wild onto the screen
- Dynamite Feature: Adds fish symbols to the reels
- Bazooka Feature: Blows up symbols and replaces them with fresh ones, potentially adding both fish and fisherman
These moments are unpredictable and can massively increase win potential if they hit during a retriggered round with a multiplier.
RTP & Volatility
Big Bass Bonanza has an RTP of 96.71% and is classified as high volatility. That means:
- Base game wins are modest and infrequent
- Most of the game's value is in the Free Spins round, especially after retriggers
- You'll experience dry spells, but the payouts—when they land—are worth the wait
It’s ideal for players who love the thrill of build-up and big catch potential.
Does Big Bass Bonanza Have a Jackpot?
No, there is no fixed or progressive jackpot, but the max win is 2,100x your stake, which can be achieved by:
- Collecting high-value fish with 10x multipliers during the fourth retrigger
- Landing multiple fish + fisherman combos in a single round
- Hitting bonus modifiers like dynamite or bazooka during high-multiplier spins
So while it doesn’t offer a labelled jackpot, the game is absolutely capable of jackpot-style wins, especially during bonus hot streaks.
Related Games
If you love the classic Big Bass Bonanza, check out these related pokies that build on its legacy or offer similar mechanics:
- Big Bass Bonanza Keeping it Reel – An upgraded version with added modifiers and prize reel features.
- Big Bass Vegas Double Down Deluxe – Adds a Vegas twist and a Double Down gamble feature.
- Floating Dragon Hold & Spin – Similar fish collector mechanic with added Hold & Spin bonus.
- Santa’s Xmas Rush – A holiday-themed Hold & Win pokie with jackpots and collection symbols.
Each game offers something new while keeping the spirit of cash collection and retriggering bonuses alive.
Conclusion
Big Bass Bonanza is a near-perfect blend of simplicity and satisfaction. Its clean visuals, familiar theme, and high-potential Free Spins mechanic make it one of the most enduring and enjoyable pokies in Pragmatic Play’s lineup. Whether you're a casual spinner or chasing a high-volatility hit, this game is a reel treat.
With its easy-to-understand gameplay, retriggerable Free Spins, and that magical fish-collecting mechanic, Big Bass Bonanza remains a must-play for anyone looking to hook a big win.
So grab your rod, toss out your line, and let the fish—and hopefully, the cash—come to you. 🎣