Big Bass Bonanza Megaways takes Pragmatic Play’s fishing formula and bolts it to the Megaways engine. As a result, the slot swaps fixed lines for up to 46,656 ways, tumbling reels, and a bonus that revolves around collecting cash‐tagged fish with the Fisherman. The free demo is the right place to feel that math in motion: you will gauge hit rhythm, how often scatters arrive, when the Fisherman shows up, and how retriggers push the multiplier ladder. In short, the demo teaches pacing, not just features.

RTP, Variance and Session Shape
The default RTP is 96.72%, which sits slightly above modern industry baselines. However, Pragmatic Play supplies multiple configurations, and some operators deploy 95.66% or 94.62%. Therefore, the figure you see in an on-site help panel may vary by venue, even though the core math stays the same. Volatility is high here: dry sequences happen, then a good bonus can swing your session back. Moreover, tumbling wins on the base game help smooth the ride a little, but the feature remains the primary source of momentum.
Top Exposure: How the Big Totals Materialize
The headline max win is 4,000× your total bet. Realistically, you get near the upper bands when several things stack: you trigger free spins, land money fish with sizeable cash values, bring in the Fisherman to collect them, and, consequently, retrigger enough times to ramp the bonus multiplier to 2× → 3× → 10×. Notably, two random “fixers” can intervene during the feature: Dynamite drops extra money fish onto the grid when none are present, while Bazooka wipes non-Fisherman symbols to refresh the screen. Both mechanics exist to manufacture collectable value when the reels miss the “fish + collector” alignment.
Game Facts
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Provider: | Pragmatic Play |
| Release date: | 18.11.2021 |
| Reels / Rows: | 6 / 2–7 |
| Paylines: | Up to 46,656 ways |
| RTP: | 96.72% |
| Volatility: | High |
| Max win (x): | 4,000× |
| Min bet / Max bet: | $0.20 / $100 |
| Series / Theme: | Big Bass series / Fishing |
From Spins to Features
Megaways reshapes each spin by changing reel heights between two and seven symbols. Wins pay left-to-right on adjacent reels, after which the tumble mechanic removes winning tiles and drops new ones for potential chains. Consequently, base-game sequences can be longer than in the 10-line original, yet still feel streaky because of the game’s overall variance. Importantly, the money fish do not pay by themselves on a regular spin; their cash tags matter when the Fisherman arrives in free spins.
Trigger Rules & Bonus Progression
Free spins trigger from three or more scatters (the fish icon). Three grant 10 spins, five grant 20, and six grant 25 at the top end. During the bonus:
- The Fisherman symbol is Wild and collects every cash value visible on money fish.
- Every fourth Fisherman you collect retriggers the feature and steps the persistent multiplier to 2×, then 3×, and finally 10×.
- Up to three retriggers are possible. Additionally, Dynamite and Bazooka can generate or refresh money fish when you need them most.
Because there is no jackpot and no mention of a bonus buy in the source material, the cadence of your results leans on natural scatter entries and how well the Fisherman timing lines up with fish density.

Symbols That Matter & Payout Logic
Low pays are the 10–A card set. On the Megaways frame they top out around ~2× for six of a kind (line-equivalents). Premiums escalate as follows: the Float scales through 0.5×/1×/2×/5×; the Dragonfly goes higher; the Tackle Box reaches 20× for the best line; and the Fishing Rod sits at the top with 50× at six of a kind. Meanwhile, money fish come with random cash tags—from small values to very large ones—and those tags are swept by the Fisherman during free spins. The interplay is simple but potent: set the bait (money fish), hook a Fisherman, and multiply via retriggers.
Mobile Experience & Performance
This release is mobile-first and standalone-friendly. Animations, tumble sequences, and progress meters read cleanly on a portrait device, while sound cues signal scatters, Fishermen, and post-tumble refills. Furthermore, the Megaways grid scales well to smaller screens, so the free demo on mobile mirrors the desktop feel with minimal compromise.

How It Stacks Up in the Series
Big Bass Bonanza Megaways is the third wave of the series, after the 10-line original and Bigger Bass Bonanza. It keeps the collector DNA but reframes pacing with variable reels and cascades.
- Big Bass Bonanza (2020): 5×3, 10 lines, 96.71% RTP, and a 2,100× cap. It’s leaner, with a steadier base and a simpler feature loop.
- Bigger Bass Bonanza: similar collection idea, but a higher ceiling (4,000×) and fewer restraints on line growth, producing punchier spikes.
- Big Bass Splash: adds pre-bonus modifiers and pushes the top end to 5,000×, making entries more varied but also more volatile in feel.
- Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways: fuses Megaways with Hold & Spin logic, raises the ways to 117,649, and advertises a 20,000× ceiling—far spikier sessions, but explosive when features overlap.
Each of these entries is documented in the comparison notes and specs you’ll see listed across the series. Therefore, if you enjoy the original’s clarity but want more reel dynamism and chain potential, Megaways is the natural step up.

What It Does Well
Megaways gives Big Bass real positional variety: ways expand, tumbles chain, and fish placement matters more. Moreover, the Dynamite/Bazooka pair keeps bonuses alive by manufacturing collectable value when screens whiff. Finally, the retrigger ladder provides clear goals (every fourth Fisherman), so you always know what your next checkpoint is during free spins.
Where It Falls Short
High variance means patience is required; long gaps without a good collect happen. Additionally, the 4,000× cap is competitive but modest compared with some later series entries, so thrill-seekers chasing five-figure multiples might prefer Hold & Spinner Megaways. Finally, adjustable RTP settings mean your return to player may not always be the headline 96.72%—check the figure in any game’s info pane.
Final Take
Big Bass Bonanza Megaways succeeds because it keeps the collector spine intact while letting the Megaways engine handle variety and momentum. The result is a slot where base-game tumbles offer activity, yet most of the narrative still unfolds in free spins: you build screens of money fish, summon the Fisherman, retrigger into a higher multiplier, and hope for a Dynamite/Bazooka nudge when the board goes cold. Overall, it’s a high-variance, feature-driven take on the fishing formula—more moving parts than the original, but still instantly readable.

Quick Answers
Is there a free demo, and what does it actually teach?
Yes. The demo lets you feel hit frequency, tumbling chains, scatter timing, and how retriggers push the multiplier ladder to 10×. Consequently, you learn session shape before risking money.
What is the RTP?
The default return to player is 96.72%, though alternative settings such as 95.66% and 94.62% exist at some sites. Always verify inside the game menu.
What is the max win, and how do you get near it?
The maximum payout is 4,000× per spin. You approach it by stacking money fish on screen, landing the Fisherman to collect them, and climbing the 2×/3×/10× retrigger ladder—ideally with Dynamite or Bazooka helping to create more fish when needed.
How does Megaways change gameplay compared with the 10-line original?
Instead of fixed lines, you get up to 46,656 ways, variable reel heights, and tumbles after wins. The Fisherman collect mechanic remains the core of the bonus, so the feel is familiar but busier.
Is there a mobile version?
Yes. The interface, animations, and progress meters translate well to phones and tablets, so the free demo on mobile mirrors desktop with little compromise.
How do symbols, collectors, and multipliers interact here?
In free spins, the Fisherman is a Wild collector that picks up all visible money values. Every fourth Fisherman both retriggers the round and steps the multiplier up to 2×, then 3×, then 10×—all of which applies to collected fish values.
Which features make this title stand out?
The combination of tumbles, high-ceiling Megaways screens, and the Dynamite/Bazooka failsafes creates extra chances to line up collector moments even when the first screen is sparse.
What are the betting limits?
Bets range from $0.20 to $100 per spin, with fine stepping so you can adjust sensitivity during the demo and match bankroll goals in real sessions.