If you decide to find a slot that started a whole new trend in online gambling, Big Bass Bonanza from Pragmatic Play will be one of the primary options. Players enjoyed the game about the fisherman so much that it prompted the studio to create a series of slots based on the same theme and similar mechanics. However, each slot brings something new to the classic gameplay, thus keeping players interested.
Keep reading our review to learn more about Big Bass Bonanza, other fishing-themed slots, and winning strategies to improve your odds at this incredible casino game!
What Is Big Bass Bonanza?
In a broader sense, Big Bass Bonanza is an annual fishing tournament held in Arkansas, USA. It is organized on Lake Dardanelles, a 34,000-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River.
During the tournament, participants compete to catch the biggest bass in the lake. The tournament consists of four different weigh-in sessions, where prizes are awarded for the largest fish caught in each session, as well as an overall grand prize for the largest fish caught during the entire tournament.
However, when it comes to online gambling, Big Bass Bonanza refers to an extremely popular online slot released by Pragmatic Play in partnership with Reel Kingdom at the end of 2020. The original slot has 5 reels, 3 rows, and 10 paylines. That said, the winning potential is quite limited. The maximum win in Big Bass Bonanza is only 2100x. In the subsequent releases, this aspect has been reworked, opening up a truly colossal potential for players to win.
Big Bass Bonanza Screenshot
While many people think of Big Bass Bonanza as the first slot of its kind, this is not the case. The idea of a casino game featuring a fisherman collecting fish money symbols was laid down back in 2014 by Reel Time Gaming in Fishin’ Frenzy. This slot can be found in both online casinos and real-world gambling establishments. However, unlike Big Bass Bonanza, Fishin’ Frenzy did not have a four-level bonus with an increasing multiplier and the opportunity to win additional free spins. This bonus structure first appeared in Big Bass Bonanza and is considered the key feature of the series.
Fishin’ Frenzy Screenshot
Big Bass Bonanza Features
While Big Bass Bonanza is not the most feature-rich slot, all of its features are memorable and ensure exciting gameplay. Big Bass Bonanza features include:
- Fish symbol. Fish symbols are money symbols and are paid as regular symbols from left to right according to the paytable in the regular game mode. In the free spins mode, the fish symbols award the value indicated on them when the fisherman symbol appears on the reels. The fish multiplier can be 2x, 5x, 10x, 15x, 20x, 25x, 50x, or 2000x. Fish symbols can land in stacks, occupying the reels entirely.
- Fisherman symbol. The fisherman symbol appears only in the free spins mode and acts as a Wild symbol, replacing all other regular symbols on the reels. However, the main function of the fisherman symbol is to collect cash rewards from fish symbols. More than one fisherman may appear on the reels on each spin in the bonus game mode. In this case, each fisherman collects all cash rewards from the fish symbols on the reels.
- Scatter symbol. The Scatter symbol is represented as an image of a fish with a hook and a corresponding caption at the bottom. Scatters are required to trigger the bonus game. If 3 Scatter symbols show up on the reels, the player is entitled to 10 free spins, while 4 symbols will award them with 15 free spins, and 5 symbols will grant them 20 free spins.
- Bonus game. The bonus game may include up to 4 stages and is the centerpiece of the Big Bass Bonanza slot. In the bonus game mode, the fisherman symbol can appear on the reels, collecting the values of all visible fish symbols. If the player manages to hit 4 fisherman symbols during one stage, they proceed to the next stage once the current one is completed. Each new stage includes 10 extra free spins and a higher fisherman multiplier that multiplies all fish symbol values collected: by x1, x2, x3, and x10, respectively. If the player manages to hit more than 4 fisherman symbols, subsequent symbols count towards unlocking the next stages.
- Explosion. An explosion may occur in the free spins mode when there is a fisherman symbol on the reels but no fish. In this case, the game board is cleared of the symbols, and a random number of fish symbols appear in their place.
Furthermore, more recent Big Bass Bonanza alternatives may have additional features, which vary from one slot to another. Nevertheless, it is possible to highlight the following features that are not available in the original Big Bass Bonanza but are presented in other slots from the same series:
- Bonus buy. The Big Bass Bonanza bonus buy option allows players to immediately buy the bonus game for a fixed amount without having to hunt for Scatter symbols in the main game mode. The number of free spins may vary depending on how many Scatter symbols appear on the reels.
- Hook. The hook feature may be triggered randomly in the free spins mode. It nudges a reel causing a fisherman and/or fish symbols to appear on it.
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Big Bass Bonanza Alternatives and Best Fishing-Themed Slots
As we have previously mentioned, Big Bass Bonanza slots are a whole line of casino games released by Pragmatic Play and some other studios. Below is a table featuring the best fishing-themed slots that allows you to choose a game based on parameters such as volatility, RTP, and maximum payout.
| Slot Name | Year of release | RTP | Volatility | Max Win | Bonus Buy |
| Big Bass Bonanza | 2020 | 96.71% | Medium | 2100x | No |
| Bigger Bass Bonanza | 2021 | 96.71% | High | 4000x | No |
| Big Bass Bonanza Megaways | 2021 | 96.7% | High | 4000x | No |
| Christmas Big Bass Bonanza | 2021 | 96.71% | Medium | 2100x | Yes |
| Big Bass Splash | 2022 | 96.71% | High | 5000x | Yes |
| Big Bass – Keeping it Reel | 2022 | 96.07% | Very High | 10000x | Yes |
| Bigger Bass Blizzard – Christmas Catch | 2022 | 96.08% | High | 4000x | Yes |
| Big Bass Hold & Spinner | 2023 | 96.07% | Very High | 10000x | Yes |
| Floating Dragon Hold&Spin | 2021 | 96.71% | High | 5000x | No |
| Floating Dragon Megaways | 2022 | 96.7% | Very High | 20000x | Yes |
| Pizza! Pizza? Pizza! | 2022 | 96.04% | High | 7200x | Yes |
| Fish Eye | 2023 | 96.07% | Very High | 10000x | Yes |
| Club Tropicana | 2023 | 96.08% | High | 4000x | Yes |
| Big Atlantis Frenzy | 2022 | 96.76% | High | 4248x | Yes |
Bigger Bass Bonanza
Bigger Bass Bonanza is the first attempt to diversify the gameplay of the original slot, which had already become extremely popular among players by that time. To this end, a fourth extra row was introduced into the game, and as a result, the number of paylines increased to 12. RTP remained at the same level, but the maximum payout almost doubled. Consequently, the slot moved from the category of medium volatility to high volatility. The game also features a new fish with a multiplier of 4000x, catching which immediately grants the player the highest prize possible.
Ultimately, Bigger Bass Bonanza is just a bigger version of the original slot. But that’s exactly what the title says.
Bigger Bass Bonanza Screenshot
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Big Bass Bonanza Megaways
Big Bass Bonanza Megaways combines two popular mechanics in one game. With the Megaways mechanics, the number of paylines can go up to 46,656. The Tumble feature, a common characteristic of Megaways slots, is also utilized in the game to replace symbols from winning combinations with new ones.
Big Bass Bonanza Megaways hasn’t gained much popularity as an alternative to Big Bass Bonanza because the abundance of paylines is not what you really need to collect money symbols. From our perspective, the Megaways feature pairs more effectively with a progressive multiplier that goes up with each cascade, and Big Bass Bonanza slots present a completely different scenario.
Big Bass Bonanza Megaways Screenshot
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Christmas Big Bass Bonanza
The creation of Christmas-themed versions of popular casino games has become a common practice among slot providers. This is all you need to know about the origins of Christmas Big Bass Bonanza.
In terms of math, Christmas Big Bass Bonanza completely repeats the original, including the maximum payout and RTP. However, there is still one important difference. Christmas Big Bass Bonanza offered a bonus buy option for the first time in the series. Back then, this significantly contributed to the popularity of Christmas Big Bass Bonanza, since the bonus buy feature was clearly lacking in the first game.
Christmas Big Bass Bonanza Screenshot
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Big Bass Splash
Big Bass Splash offers extra modifiers that can be activated at the beginning of the bonus game. These are More hooks and explosions, Start from level 2, +2 free spins, More fish, and More fishermen. Notably, when you hit the +2 free spins modifier, extra spins are added to each level, not just at the beginning of the bonus game, as it happens with 4 or 5 Scatter symbols.
Modifiers are awarded if the lasso catches one of the fish floating in the circle at the beginning of the bonus game. Once it grabs a boot in the center of the screen, the bonus game begins with all the modifiers received to that point.
Overall, we consider Big Bass Splash one of the most exciting games in the series and recommend it to all fans of Big Bass Bonanza-style slots.
Big Bass Splash Screenshot
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Big Bass – Keeping it Reel
Just like in the original Big Bass Bonanza, in Big Bass – Keeping it Reel, whenever a fisherman symbol lands at the same time as fish, their respective values are accumulated and given as a reward. However, in the event that fish symbols land but no fisherman appears, their values will be included in a prize net positioned above the grid. With each subsequent spin, a random fish will break free from the net, causing its value to be deducted. To grab the prize from the net, you need to land a special golden fisherman symbol that not only gathers the values of all fish symbols on the screen but also awards the entire amount accumulated by this point.
Big Bass – Keeping it Reel will appeal to players who are tired of big fish constantly eluding them.
Big Bass – Keeping it Reel Screenshot
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Bigger Bass Blizzard – Christmas Catch
Bigger Bass Blizzard – Christmas Catch is a Christmas rework of Bigger Bass Bonanza, similar to Christmas Big Bass Bonanza. If you would like to play Bigger Bass Bonanza with a bonus bet and bonus buy option, give Bigger Bass Blizzard a try. Please note that the game has a lower RTP, while other aspects of the gameplay remain unchanged.
Bigger Bass Blizzard – Christmas Catch Screenshot
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Big Bass Bonanza Hold & Spinner
Big Bass Bonanza Hold & Spinner includes two bonus games. The first one is the standard bonus game from the classic Big Bass Bonanza, where you need to catch fish. The second one is Hold & Spinner, which is a variation of the Hold & Spin bonus game found in slots from many providers.
The Hold & Spinner bonus game features symbols representing coins or diamonds, each with a specific value ranging from 1x to 2,000x of the bet. When three of these symbols appear on the reels, the Hold & Spinner feature begins. During the feature, players get four re-spins.
The initial Money symbols that triggered the feature remain in place throughout the round, and their value is paid out each time a new Money symbol appears on the reels. Any new Money symbols that appear on the reels during this feature are not sticky, but their value is added to the total winnings. In addition, the re-spin counter is reset when each new Money symbol appears.
In general, the presence of two bonus rounds is a great way to make the usual gameplay of Big Bass Bonanza more exciting.
Big Bass Bonanza Hold & Spinner Screenshot
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The games presented below do not belong to the Big Bass Bonanza series but use similar mechanics.
Floating Dragon Hold&Spin
Although it was released two years earlier, Floating Dragon Hold&Spin bears similarities to Big Bass Hold & Spinner. The game also has two bonus games, but the key parameters such as maximum win and RTP differ from those of Big Bass Hold & Spinner. Additionally, the Asian-styled Floating Dragon Hold&Spin has become the first slot from Pragmatic Play and Reel Kingdom to use the Big Bass Bonanza mechanics with a different theme.
Floating Dragon Hold&Spin Screenshot
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Floating Dragon Megaways
While Big Bass Bonanza Megaways may not have been the standout slot in its series, Floating Dragon Megaways is an entirely different story. Of all the upgrades, the first thing that catches your eye is the unlimited number of levels in the bonus game. You’ll ascend to a new level with a higher multiplier and get extra free spins every time you manage to collect four Wild symbols without limitations, making for an engaging and exciting experience.
What’s even more impressive is that Floating Dragon Megaways offers a staggering maximum payout of 20,000x, the highest value of any slot in the line! As such, the unlimited bonus game not only provides a refreshing take on familiar gameplay but also serves as a vital tool for achieving the highest possible payout.
Floating Dragon Megaways Screenshot
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Pizza! Pizza? Pizza!
Pizza! Pizza? Pizza! is undoubtedly the most exceptional slot in the Big Bass Bonanza-style series. Just look at this game grid shaped like a pizza slice with a 2-3-4-5-6 layout, where the number of rows increases from the bottom to the top.
Hit 3 or more Pizza Scatters in the base game to trigger the bonus game. During free spins, the pepper symbols act as money symbols with values of 2x, 5x, 10x, 20x, 25x, 50x, or 2,000x of the bet. Each time a Wild symbol appears, it collects the total value of all money symbols present on the screen. There are two types of Wild symbols – the regular Wild symbol and the golden Wild symbol. When a golden Wild symbol appears, the game grid expands to 6-9-12-15-18, essentially covering half of the pizza.
Just like in Big Bass Bonanza, the bonus round in Pizza! Pizza? Pizza! includes four levels with an increasing multiplier and additional free spins.
Pizza! Pizza? Pizza! Screenshot
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Fish Eye
With Fish Eye, the developers took a different approach, abandoning the multi-level bonus concept altogether. Instead, you need to land special symbols in order to remove smaller fish from the game, until there is only one fish with a value of 2000x left. In addition, the money collect symbol no longer acts as Wild, but landing 4 of these symbols still awards + 10 free spins.
Fish Eye Screenshot
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Club Tropicana
Club Tropicana is a rework of Bigger Bass Blizzard in a new wrapper. The math model is absolutely the same. The game has high volatility and an RTP of 96.08%, with a maximum payout of 4000 times the initial bet. Thus, you have the option of choosing either of two slots, depending on your style preference or belief that you will have better luck in one of them.
Club Tropicana Screenshot
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Big Atlantis Frenzy
Big Atlantis Frenzy breaks from the pattern of previous slots as it was developed by BGaming, who have also introduced another unique twist to the gameplay of Big Bass Bonanza.
In the main game, players have the option to select a reel size of either 5×3, 5×4, or 5×5. Depending on the chosen reel size, the game will feature 5 paylines for 5×3, 10 paylines for 5×4, or 20 paylines for 5×5. The bet remains unchanged when altering the reel size; however, the payouts are affected. If you win or purchase a bonus game, the free spins will be played on the grid that was active at the time of trigger.
Big Atlantis Frenzy Screenshot
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Big Bass Crash
Big Bass Crash isn’t your typical slot game. While it embraces a beloved theme shared with the slots series, its mechanics take a refreshing detour. Rather than a slot, it’s a “Crash” game where timing is everything: players must decide the optimal moment to cash out their winnings. If you’re unfamiliar with this unique twist, our Big Bass Crash strategy guide is here to help – especially given the game’s impressive potential to multiply your bet by up to 5,000 times!
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Big Bass Bonanza Tips and Strategies
When playing crypto slots, you surely want to increase your chances and reap the biggest payouts. Here are Big Bass Bonanza strategies that may help you.
- Choose the right game. We have reviewed more than a dozen slots similar to Big Bass Bonanza. Among them, each player can pick something to suit their preferences. For example, if you want a slot with the highest RTP, Big Atlantis Frenzy is the best option. For the biggest payouts, head to Floating Dragon Megaways. If you prefer moderate risk and medium volatility, opt for the classic Big Bass Bonanza.
- Manage your bankroll. As with any online slot game, it’s important to manage your bankroll wisely in Big Bass Bonanza slots. Set a budget for yourself and stick to it without chasing losses.
- Familiarize yourself with the game. Before you play Big Bass Bonanza slots, take some time to understand the features and the payout table. This will help you make informed decisions when placing bets.
- Start with small bets. When playing any online slot, it’s always a good idea to start with small bets. This will give you a chance to get a feel for the game and its features without risking your bankroll.
- Use the autoplay feature. The autoplay feature can be a useful tool when playing Big Bass Bonanza slots. It allows you to set a predetermined number of spins and bet size to help you manage your bankroll more effectively.
- Look for the Fishing Bonus. Big Bass Bonanza slots offer a Fishing Bonus feature that is triggered by three or more Scatter symbols. During the Fishing Bonus, you will have the opportunity to catch fish and receive instant cash prizes.
- Play at a reputable online casino. Choosing a reputable online casino to play Big Bass Bonanza slots can have a significant impact on your overall gaming experience. Look for a casino with a good reputation, fair payouts, and excellent customer service. LTC Casino has positive feedback from numerous players, instantly pays out winnings, does not require KYC, accepts customers from all regions, and provides 24/7 support.
Conclusion
Big Bass Bonanza is a truly legendary online casino slot. The fame of this game spawned a whole line of slots similar to Big Bass Bonanza. Some of them change the gameplay only slightly, while others bring completely unexpected features. With Big Bass Bonanza slots, players have the option to choose a game that can provide them with hours of thrilling gameplay and, with a bit of luck, substantial winnings.
