Bigger Bass Bonanza is a continuation of the famous fishing series from Reel Kingdom and publisher Pragmatic Play. The game appeals to fans of high-volatility slots with cash symbols and collector mechanics. In this expert review, we’ll look at the place of Bigger Bass Bonanza in the Big Bass series, break down its key gameplay features, explain how to trigger the bonus, and compare the slot with other releases in the genre. You’ll also learn how to play the free demo and what exactly you can learn from it – the demo is available without registration and lets you study the slot, assess its hit frequency, and understand its big-win potential.
Place in the Big Bass Series
The Bigger Bass Bonanza slot has a special place in the Big Bass lineup. The original Big Bass Bonanza appeared at the end of 2020 and quickly became a hit thanks to its simple yet engaging cash-collect mechanic in free spins. Already in the fall of 2021, the sequel Bigger Bass Bonanza was released, fully living up to its name. In this version, the developers increased the grid and the win potential while preserving the signature fishing theme. The game became the second core release in the series (after the original) and offered fans of the “big bass” a more generous catch. Adding one extra row (from 3 to 4) resulted in 12 paylines instead of 10, and the max win almost doubled – x4000 vs x2100 in the first game. At the same time, the core gameplay and bonus features remained recognizable, which pleased fans of the original.
It’s also important to highlight the stylistic changes: while Big Bass Bonanza sent us on an underwater ocean fishing trip, Bigger Bass moves the action to a bright coastal city reminiscent of Miami. The visuals are more lively: in the background you see palm trees and neon lights of the night city, and the fisherman sports a Hawaiian shirt and sunglasses. The soundtrack was updated as well – an energetic 80s-style tune makes the slot stand out and enhances the atmosphere of night fishing. Thanks to the successful mix of familiar mechanics and “bigger” upgrades, Bigger Bass Bonanza cemented the success of the series and paved the way for later spin-offs (including Christmas Big Bass and new mechanics in Big Bass Splash).
What Is Bigger Bass Bonanza?
Bigger Bass Bonanza is a fishing-themed video slot that keeps the core concept of catching “cash” fish, but scales everything up. The game uses a standard 5×4 grid with fixed lines and offers dynamic gameplay with high win multipliers. Providers Reel Kingdom/Pragmatic Play released the slot on 16 September 2021. The new title inherited the key feature of its predecessor – a bonus round with collectible fish symbols and increasing multipliers that made the original Big Bass Bonanza so popular. At the same time, Bigger Bass Bonanza stands out with higher variance and a potential that can satisfy hunters of serious big wins. Below are the key characteristics of the slot.
Key Specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Provider | Reel Kingdom (Pragmatic Play) |
| Release date | 16 September 2021 |
| Reels / Rows | 5 / 4 |
| Paylines | 12 fixed |
| RTP | 96.71% |
| Volatility | High (5/5) |
| Max win | x4000 bet (Big Bass series win cap) |
| Min/Max bet | 0.12 – 240 (in casino currency) |
| Series / Theme | Big Bass (fishing, cash-symbol collection) |
Note: The 96.71% RTP version is usually available in demo mode and at some casinos, but many operators offer the slot with reduced RTP around 95% or ~94%. Volatility is officially stated as very high, which means rare big wins and long stretches of dead spins – this slot is designed for patient players willing to wait for a “trophy catch”.
How the Game Plays: Gameplay and Mechanics
In its base game, Bigger Bass Bonanza features bright night-coast visuals. The expanded 5×4 grid with 12 paylines increases the chances of forming combinations, although wins are still rare due to the high variance. In the standard mode (without free spins), wins are paid in the usual way – you need to land at least 3 matching symbols on a payline from left to right (for the top-paying boat symbol, 2 are enough). Low-paying symbols are classic card ranks (10, J, Q, K, A), paying up to 10× for five of a kind. Premium symbols are fishing-related: tackle boxes, lures, fishing rods, and the boat (the most valuable symbol, paying 200× for five on a line).
A notable feature is the fish symbols with cash values. On any spin, colorful fish symbol can appear on the reels showing a specific number (these are money symbols). In the base game they act as regular symbols and have their own payouts. For example, 3 fish on a line pay 1×, and 4 fish pay 5× your stake. However, if you manage to land 5 fish on a single payline, the slot pays the sum of all their displayed values instead of a fixed line win. This means that even in the base game, a significant payout is possible, especially if some of those five fish show high values. For example, Bigger Bass Bonanza includes a golden fish – a rare symbol that carries the maximum prize of x4000. Under normal conditions it doesn’t help much, but if you were to land a full line of 5 fish, this golden fish would also bring the jackpot (x4000), although the odds of seeing such a combination are extremely low.
Before starting, the player selects a bet size. All 12 lines are always active, so you set a total bet per spin – from 0.12 to 240 units of currency. The range is wide: low-risk players can spin for pennies, while high rollers can place large bets in hopes of landing a trophy win. The Pragmatic Play interface is convenient: “+/-” buttons let you adjust the stake, and Autoplay can start up to 100 automatic spins (in some versions fewer). There is also a turbo spin function – by holding the spacebar or enabling it in the menu, the reels spin much faster, which impatient players will appreciate.
Overall, the base gameplay of Bigger Bass Bonanza can be described as fairly smooth, yet at times unpredictable. Most of the time you will see small wins or dead spins (in roughly 12% of spins any win occurs – about once every 8 spins). However, from time to time, multiple Scatters (fish on the hook) or large clusters of premium symbols will appear and keep your interest up. The main objective is to trigger the bonus game, as that’s where the key to large multipliers and big wins lies.
Bonus Round: How to Catch Free Spins
The Free Spins bonus game is triggered in a classic way for the series – via Scatter symbols. Here the Scatter is the logo with a fish on a hook. You need to land at least 3 Scatters anywhere on the reels to get free spins. The number of free spins depends on the number of Scatters:
- 3 Scatters – 10 free spins
- 4 Scatters – 15 free spins
- 5 Scatters – 20 free spins
The more Scatters, the better the starting conditions, although even with the minimum 10 spins you can build a long and profitable round thanks to the special features. In free spins, for the first time a Wild appears on the grid – this is the mustached fisherman with a rod. He serves two purposes: as a joker (substitutes for any regular symbol on a line) and as a cash collector. Whenever cash fish symbols land on the screen along with at least one fisherman Wild, the collect mechanic triggers: the fisherman “pulls in” all fish in view and adds their total value to your win for that spin. This is how the main big wins are generated in the bonus – numerous fish with decent values plus the fisherman produce a substantial combined payout.
But that’s not all. Each fisherman you catch during free spins not only brings money, but also fills a special meter at the top of the screen. This meter has 12 segments split into 4 stages. For every 4 collected fishermen, the player gets a retrigger – an additional +10 free spins – and moves to a new level with a higher multiplier for future fish collections. The progression looks like this:
- 4 fishermen – +10 spins and a x2 multiplier on all future collected fish;
- 8 fishermen – another +10 spins and a x3 multiplier;
- 12 fishermen – a final +10 spins and a x10 multiplier.
You can get a maximum of 3 retriggers, raising the total number of free spins to 50 (10 initial + 3×10 extra). On the last ten spins, all collected fish are multiplied by 10× – this is where the main path to a huge win lies. Naturally, it’s not easy to reach the final level: the fisherman symbol has to appear often enough, and 12 of them in 50 spins is not the most common outcome. However, even 8 or 12 extra spins with 2× or 3× multipliers can deliver impressive results.
Another interesting detail: Bigger Bass Bonanza features a random Bonus Feature during free spins called “Bazooka”. If on some free spin you land only one fisherman and no fish, he can suddenly fire a bazooka at the reels. As a result, cash fish symbols appear in random positions and are immediately collected by this same fisherman. In other words, the “Bazooka” feature saves a dead fisherman spin by guaranteeing a catch. This raises the average bonus win and adds excitement, since you never know when the fisherman will decide to bring out the heavy artillery. A similar mechanic (with dynamite instead of a bazooka) was present in the original Big Bass Bonanza, so veterans of the series will be happy to see it return.
It is crucial to emphasize that there is no Bonus Buy or Ante Bet (to boost free-spin odds) in Bigger Bass Bonanza. The free spins can only be triggered naturally – by landing Scatters. Fortunately, for a high-volatility title the bonus triggers relatively often. According to statistics, the bonus game usually appears roughly once every 120–125 spins. Of course, this is an average figure: in reality you might hit two bonuses in a row or spin for a long time without a single Scatter. The demo mode lets you test this frequency in practice: many players note that 1–2 Scatters pop up quite often, teasing with free-spin prospects until the long-awaited third one lands.
RTP and Volatility
The Return to Player (RTP) of Bigger Bass Bonanza is stated at 96.71%, which is above the industry average (~96%) and one of the highest figures within the Big Bass line-up. However, keep in mind that Pragmatic Play releases titles with several RTP configurations, and casinos are free to choose lower versions. In some lobbies this slot’s RTP is reduced to 95.67% or even 94.62%, which noticeably affects long-term expected returns. You can always check the current RTP in the game’s info section – it’s worth doing so before playing for real money.
The volatility of Bigger Bass Bonanza is high. On Pragmatic’s scale that’s the maximum level (5 out of 5), which is backed up by the math profile. The slot has a low hit frequency (about 12% of spins result in any win) and a very uneven prize distribution. Most base-game wins are tiny, often smaller than your bet, since line payouts are modest. However, in the rare lucky free-spin rounds, truly massive wins are possible. A single strong bonus can instantly pay back hundreds of dead spins leading up to it. This imbalance is a typical trait of high-volatility slots: they alternate long dry spells with short bursts of large payouts.
Bankroll and mindset management are crucial: Bigger Bass Bonanza will not pay often, it’s designed for patience. But in return for this risk, the slot can reward you generously. The theoretical maximum win is x4000 your bet, and while the odds of actually hitting it are tiny (developer estimates place it around 1 in 982,000 spins), wins worth several hundred or even thousands of bets are realistically achievable given the right circumstances. Volatility in the original Big Bass Bonanza was rated medium-high, whereas here it’s pushed to very high – so the second part of the series can be considered a more risky game. By comparison, later slot Big Bass Splash also remains highly volatile, whereas some alternatives like Fishin’ Frenzy (Blueprint) offer softer, medium volatility but without such large potential multipliers.
Max Win and Slot Math
The maximum win in Bigger Bass Bonanza is x4000 your total stake. This value is a hard cap – the slot will not pay more, and upon reaching this limit, the bonus round ends automatically. Note that x4000 is almost double the original Big Bass max of x2100. The devs clearly labeled the sequel “Bigger” to underline the higher win potential. So how do you realistically reach such a payout? Let’s look at the math.
All the hope lies in the free spins round with fish collections. One route to the jackpot is the rare golden fish symbol. The game includes a special golden fish that carries a value of x4000. If, during free spins, it lands together with a fisherman, he immediately collects it and awards the maximum prize, after which the bonus round ends immediately (since the cap is reached). Catching the golden fish is extremely difficult – it appears very rarely – but it is a guaranteed way to get the full cap in one go.
Another, more step-by-step path to x4000 is to climb the free-spin ladder to the 10× multiplier and then land a massive catch. For example, suppose you managed to collect 12 fishermen, unlocked the final stage with ×10, and still have several free spins left. Now imagine that on one of these spins a large cluster of cash symbols appears – let’s say fish worth a total of x400 land on the screen. With the 10× multiplier active, your win would be x4000 your stake. This synergy of retriggers and multipliers is how the slot reaches its max potential. Is it realistic? Chances are low, but documented runs show that some players did reach the highest multiplier and then hit a sizeable set of fish.
From a mathematical perspective, most of the slot’s RTP in Bigger Bass Bonanza is concentrated in the bonus round. The developers don’t publish exact RTP splits between base game and free spins, but unofficial estimates suggest that a big portion of the expected value is generated by free spins and the fish collection mechanic. That means you can’t realistically expect a serious win without triggering the bonus – base spins mostly serve to keep you afloat until the crucial free-spin session. Variance within the bonus is also high: sometimes it yields only 20–30× if few fishermen appear, while in other cases it can explode to hundreds of bets. On average, player experiences suggest that a “good” bonus in Bigger Bass delivers several hundred x, which is already solid. Knowing this, it’s wise to plan your bankroll so you can afford to see at least 3–5 bonuses in a session – the odds of landing a meaningful big win increase significantly if you get that many attempts.
Mobile Version and Performance
Bigger Bass Bonanza is built with HTML5 and is fully optimized for all devices. You can play on desktop, smartphone, or tablet – functionality and visuals remain top-notch. Pragmatic Play has taken mobile users into account: the UI automatically adapts to screen size, and in portrait mode the controls are neatly grouped at the bottom. Performance is excellent – even on older devices the slot runs smoothly, with no lag or FPS drops. During demo testing on mobile, there were no signs of overheating or abnormal battery drain, which indicates good optimization.
Visually, the game isn’t overloaded with heavy effects: the background is a static coastal scene with palm trees, while symbols are brightly drawn but not excessively animated. This means Bigger Bass Bonanza isn’t resource-hungry and loads quickly even on average internet connections. Sound and music are also handled correctly on mobile – the upbeat soundtrack and splash effects remain intact when playing on a smartphone. Overall, the mobile version of the slot is no worse than the desktop one: you get the same features (autoplay, turbo mode), crisp visuals, and responsive controls. You can launch the demo directly in your mobile browser and see for yourself that the gameplay feels comfortable on any screen.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Popular cash-collect mechanic: an engaging bonus with the fisherman and progress-based multipliers that proved itself in the original game. Thanks to retriggers, there’s tension until the end of free spins, and each Wild you land feels impactful.
- Increased win potential: the slot can pay up to x4000 – almost twice as much as the first part. This attracts high-risk players and makes the game more exciting.
- Improved visuals and atmosphere: the bright coastal setting and Miami Vice-style soundtrack make Bigger Bass Bonanza stand out against its predecessor. The game looks modern and stylish without losing its “fishing” charm.
- Strong RTP (in the top config): at 96.71% the slot is quite fair to the player, especially for a high-volatility title. In demo mode, you typically get to enjoy exactly this RTP setting.
Cons:
- Very high variance: be prepared for long streaks of dead spins. The slot can eat a bankroll quickly if you get unlucky with bonus triggers. Beginners and impatient players may find such volatility frustrating.
- Few innovations in gameplay: essentially, Bigger Bass Bonanza repeats almost all of the original’s mechanics in a slightly changed setting. If you were expecting something radically new from the sequel, you won’t find it here – the more innovative ideas came with later entries in the series.
- Capped maximum win: while x4000 is a solid figure, some modern slots offer much higher ceilings (for example, Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways with 20,000×). Once you hit the cap in Bigger Bass, the bonus ends even if it could theoretically pay more.
- RTP variability across casinos: not every operator offers the generous 96.71% version. If a casino uses a trimmed RTP of ~95% or lower, playing becomes less profitable. The user has to check conditions manually, which is inconvenient.
Similar Games and Series Follow-Ups
The Big Bass Bonanza series has grown to around a dozen releases by 2025, and Bigger Bass is just one step in this evolution. If you enjoyed this slot, it makes sense to look at other entries in the series as well as similar games in the genre:
- Big Bass Bonanza (2020): the original game that started it all. It’s simpler – 5×3 reels, 10 paylines, x2100 max win, and slightly softer volatility. Gameplay is nearly identical: free spins with the fisherman and collectible fish. It differs by underwater oceanic visuals and a more classic soundtrack. The pace is a bit calmer, with more predictable wins. If Bigger Bass feels too punishing, you can start with the first game to get used to the mechanics.
- Big Bass Bonanza Megaways (2021): a spin-off in the series using the Megaways engine. It has 6 reels, a changing number of rows (up to 7 symbols per reel), and 46,656 ways to win instead of paylines. The max win is also around x4000, but the structure is entirely different: cascading wins, a rising win multiplier in the bonus, and no fixed lines. Volatility is high and gameplay more dynamic thanks to Megaways. Still, the core fish-collect idea remains: during free spins, the fisherman collects cash symbols. This slot is for those who want the familiar theme wrapped in a very different rhythm and higher complexity.
- Big Bass Splash (2022): one of the most popular entries in the series today. It returns to the 5×3, 10-line format but adds a range of new twists. First, before free spins you might get random modifiers: extra fishermen, more fish, more spins, etc., which makes every bonus unique. Second, there is an Ante Bet option to raise the bonus-hit chance (for +25% to your stake) and a Bonus Buy option in some regions – features that Bigger Bass doesn’t have. The max win is raised to x5000, and the theme is enriched with more fisherman-lifestyle items (for example, a pickup truck symbol). Big Bass Splash feels more packed: faster pace thanks to modifiers, more frequent bonuses (via Ante), but equally high volatility. If you like Bigger Bass mechanics but want more action and options, Splash is a great choice.
- Bigger Bass Blizzard – Christmas Catch (2022): a festive version of Bigger Bass Bonanza. Essentially, this is a reskin: the same slot (5×4, 12 lines, x4000 cap), but with a winter Christmas theme. The fisherman wears a Santa hat, fish are frozen in ice, and the neon city is replaced with a snowy landscape. In terms of math and gameplay, it differs little, though some versions may use a lower RTP. It’s suitable if you want a change of visuals without abandoning the well-known mechanics.
- Big Bass Hold & Spinner (2023): a more recent iteration of the series that adds the Hold & Spin mode. In addition to the classic free spins with the fisherman, there is a bonus with fixed jackpots and respins triggered by landing 3 coins. The potential is significantly higher – up to x10,000 and more (and in the Megaways version up to x20,000). The game pace is quite high: two different bonus modes and new symbol types. If Bigger Bass seems too basic, Hold & Spinner brings more variety and big-win opportunities, even though it shifts part of the focus away from the fisherman mechanic.
- Fishin’ Frenzy (Blueprint) and other “fishing” slots: outside the Big Bass series, there are plenty of fishing-themed games as well. Fishin’ Frenzy is a classic from Blueprint Gaming: during free spins the fisherman collects fish, but there are no progressive multipliers and the mechanic is simpler. Volatility is medium, and the max win is more modest (~x5000 in the Megaways version). Games like Fishing Reels (Pragmatic Play) take a different approach with selectable bonuses. Compared with Bigger Bass Bonanza, competitors usually differ in pace: either more stable payouts (but without such high peaks) or unique twists (for example, separate bonus levels). Still, Bigger Bass stands out for its balance of a familiar mechanic and a boosted potential – it’s no coincidence that it became one of the most successful slots of 2021 and remains popular.
Each subsequent Big Bass release brings something new – be it Megaways, new bonus types, or just a fresh setting. Bigger Bass Bonanza remains faithful to the original formula, offering “more of the same”. This can be seen as both a strength and a weakness: on the one hand, no surprises for fans; on the other, a proven formula in an upgraded form.
Verdict
Bigger Bass Bonanza is a worthy follow-up to the cult big-fishing slot. It successfully preserves everything players loved about the original Big Bass: simple yet engaging gameplay, exciting cash collection, the ability to extend free spins, and growing multipliers. At the same time, the sequel offers a bigger scale – both literally (larger 5×4 grid with 12 lines) and figuratively (higher max win and updated visual theme).
An expert look at the slot shows that Bigger Bass Bonanza is primarily aimed at fans of high-volatility games. It can keep you in suspense for a long time without meaningful payouts, but a lucky bonus round can deliver an astronomical reward. This imbalance isn’t for everyone, but it provides adrenaline and that hope for a huge hit. In the best-case configuration, the RTP of 96.71% is quite generous for such a risky game, but don’t forget about the different RTP versions used by casinos.
Compared with other entries in the series, Bigger Bass doesn’t revolutionize the formula – it goes down the evolutionary path. It clearly surpasses the original in terms of potential and graphics, but later releases (Splash, Hold & Spinner, etc.) can be more innovative. Nevertheless, if you enjoy the classic “catch fish – build multipliers” formula, Bigger Bass Bonanza is a must-try. By testing the free demo, you can feel its rhythm and decide whether this style of fishing suits you. Our verdict: an excellent choice for experienced players hunting for a “big fish”, and a solid upgrade to the classic Big Bass for all series fans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I play Bigger Bass Bonanza for free without risking real money?
A: Yes, the slot is available in demo mode. You can play the Bigger Bass Bonanza free demo on the this site or at online casinos that feature this provider’s games. The demo is identical to the paid version: you get virtual credits to spin the reels, trigger free spins, and assess the slot’s behavior. It’s a great way to learn the mechanics and get a feel for the game before betting real money.
Q: How is the free spins bonus triggered?
A: The Free Spins bonus is activated by landing 3 to 5 Scatter symbols (fish on a hook) anywhere on the reels. Depending on the number of Scatters, you receive 10, 15, or 20 free spins. During these free spins, a special mechanic comes into play: the Wild fisherman appears and collects all cash fish symbols in view, adding their total value to your win. In addition, every 4 collected fishermen award +10 extra spins and increase the multiplier for subsequent collections (×2, ×3, ×10). As a result, the bonus round can last up to 50 free spins and produce very large payouts.
Q: What is the theoretical RTP and volatility of this slot?
A: The advertised RTP of Bigger Bass Bonanza is 96.71% when playing the highest RTP configuration. However, remember that there are also ~95% and ~94% versions used by some casinos. As for volatility, the slot belongs to the high-volatility category. That means wins are infrequent, but their potential size is very large. Players should be ready for their balance to decrease for long stretches, with occasional big hits. This format is more suitable for experienced gamblers who enjoy risk.
Q: What is the maximum win in Bigger Bass Bonanza?
A: The maximum win is capped at x4000 your stake. In other words, with a $1 bet, you can theoretically win up to $4000. You can reach this cap either by catching the golden fish worth x4000 during free spins (which ends the bonus immediately after paying the prize) or via the ×10 multiplier at the final stage: for example, if on the last level with a 10× multiplier you land fish worth a total of 400×, the fisherman will collect them with the 10× boost, giving you 4000× your stake. Such wins are extremely rare (roughly around a 0.0001% chance by some estimates). However, wins worth several hundred times your bet occur much more frequently and are a key attraction of the game.
Q: Does the slot have a Bonus Buy option or any special bet modes?
A: No, there is no Bonus Buy feature in Bigger Bass Bonanza. There is also no Ante Bet to increase the free-spin hit chance. All bonus features are triggered naturally – you have to wait for the right symbols to land. This sets the slot apart from some later series entries (for example, Big Bass Splash, where you can enable Ante Bet). On the one hand, the absence of a bonus buy makes the game feel more classic and straightforward. On the other hand, you will need patience if triggering free spins takes a long time.
Q: How does Bigger Bass Bonanza differ from the original Big Bass Bonanza?
A: The key difference is that Bigger Bass offers more of everything: more reels/rows (5×4 instead of 5×3), more paylines (12 instead of 10), a higher max win (4000× vs 2100×), and more aggressive volatility. The theme shifted from underwater to coastal nightlife, and graphics and music were improved. At the same time, the free spins mechanics remain almost identical – progressive fisherman collection with retriggers and increasing multipliers exists in both games. Thus, Bigger Bass Bonanza can be seen as an enhanced version of the original. If you liked the first slot but wished for bigger payouts and a more modern look, Bigger Bass will not disappoint. If you didn’t enjoy the original, the sequel is unlikely to change your mind, as it stays very close to the same core gameplay.
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