Fishing has always been a popular theme in UK slots, but no series has captured it quite like Pragmatic Play’s Big Bass Bonanza franchise. The original game sparked a wave of sequels and themed variants, including Bigger Bass Bonanza, Big Bass Splash, Big Bass Megaways, and seasonal editions like Big Catch Bass Fishing Christmas.
But what makes this franchise so enduring? And how do the sequels differ in terms of RTP, volatility, features, and visuals? This deep-dive compares the major titles and gives UK players a clear sense of which one may suit their style.
The Original Big Bass Bonanza: Setting the Hook
The first Big Bass Bonanza arrived in 2020 and was instantly recognised for its simple but appealing fishing theme.
Gameplay Basics
- RTP: 96.71%
- Volatility: High
- Core Bonus: Free spins where the fisherman wild collects cash fish symbols.
It’s this bonus that UK players still discuss on forums: the excitement of landing a fisherman wild and seeing it collect fish values is memorable. However, the high volatility means sessions can swing between long waits and sudden surprises.
Why It Worked
- Bright visuals compared to darker fantasy slots.
- A mechanic that made sense instantly, even for beginners.
- Free spins that felt rewarding when retriggers landed.
This foundation became the blueprint for every sequel.
Bigger Bass Bonanza: Scaling Up
The follow-up, Bigger Bass Bonanza, expanded everything—quite literally.
Main Differences
- Grid size: 5x4 with 12 paylines instead of 10.
- Visuals: A neon seaside theme, brighter and flashier.
- Max potential: Scaled higher than the original.
While the mechanics stayed faithful, the aesthetic shift made it feel like a holiday upgrade. UK players often describe it as “cheerier” or “more summery.”
Reception
Feedback suggests that some found Bigger Bass slightly tougher on bankrolls due to its volatility, but others enjoyed the potential for longer free spin chains.
Big Bass Splash: A Quirky Twist
Pragmatic Play added humour in Big Bass Splash, which mixes the fishing theme with light-hearted animation.
New Features
- A monster truck intro animation sets the scene.
- Pre-bonus modifiers, like extra wilds or added fish, increase anticipation.
- RTP: Around 96.71%, still high volatility.
What UK Players Say
Some reviewers highlight Splash as their favourite because of the pre-bonus features. Even if the free spins don’t lead to large wins, the added quirks give each session variety. Others note that it retains the same unpredictability as the original, so pacing your stake size is key.
Big Bass Hold & Win Megaways: The Wild Card
The biggest leap came with Big Bass Hold & Spin Megaways, which adopted the hugely popular Megaways engine.
Standout Mechanics
- Up to 117,649 ways to win.
- Cascading reels that can trigger consecutive wins.
- Fisherman wild and free spins remain central.
How UK Players Experience It
Some find it overwhelming at first, but most adapt quickly. Cascading reels add a faster rhythm, which appeals to players who like more constant movement. However, the volatility is even higher, so it requires patience.
Big Bass Variants: Seasonal & Creative Editions
Beyond the main titles, Pragmatic Play has released several creative twists:
- Big Bass Keeping It Reel – adds a hook mechanic to pull in fish.
- Big Bass Hold & Spinner – introduces a hold-and-spin feature, blending fishing with popular bonus mechanics.
- Big Catch Bass Fishing Christmas – reskins the original with festive decorations.
Why These Work
Players who enjoy the fishing theme but want subtle differences often turn to these variants. They don’t reinvent the wheel but keep the brand fresh and relevant.
Comparison Table: Big Bass Series at a Glance
|
Game Title |
RTP (approx) |
Volatility |
Features |
Visual Style |
|
Big Bass Bonanza |
96.71% |
High |
Free spins with fisherman wilds |
Classic fishing |
|
Bigger Bass Bonanza |
96.50% |
High |
Larger reels, retriggers |
Neon tropical |
|
Big Bass Splash |
96.71% |
High |
Pre-bonus modifiers |
Humorous/cartoon |
|
Big Bass Megaways |
96.71% |
High |
Megaways engine, cascading wins |
Fast-paced |
|
Big Bass Variants |
95.5%–96.7% |
High |
Seasonal/unique twists |
Festive/creative |
UK Player Impressions: What the Community Says
Pros
- Familiarity: Players appreciate that every sequel still uses the fisherman wild mechanic.
- Visual Variety: Each game feels distinct in design, preventing the franchise from going stale.
- Exciting Bonuses: The retrigger multipliers are consistently highlighted as a fun twist.
Cons
- High Volatility: Some players note long dry spells before bonuses.
- Repetition: While consistent, some feel the core loop hasn’t evolved enough.
- Luck-Based Outcomes: UK forums often remind new players that strategy doesn’t influence results, it’s all random chance.
Common Themes
- Fans of fishing and light-hearted slots enjoy the series most.
- Casual players sometimes prefer the original, while adventurous players lean toward Megaways or Hold & Spinner editions.
Understanding RTP & Volatility Across the Series
RTP (Return to Player)
Most Big Bass games hover around 96.5–96.7%. This means that over time, the game theoretically returns that percentage to players, though individual sessions vary heavily.
Volatility
Every Big Bass title is high volatility, which means:
- Bonuses can take longer to land.
- Wins, when they arrive, may feel larger compared to low-variance slots.
For UK players, this highlights the importance of pacing, starting with lower stakes like £0.10 per spin can help sessions last longer.
Which Big Bass Game Is Right for You?
- Big Bass Bonanza: Ideal for beginners who want the original experience.
- Bigger Bass Bonanza: For players who like flashier visuals and bigger max potential.
- Big Bass Splash: For those who enjoy humour and pre-bonus surprises.
- Big Bass Megaways: Best suited for players who like unpredictability and high action.
- Variants: A good pick for seasonal fun or extra twists.
Luck, Not Strategy
It’s crucial to remember: Big Bass slots are entirely luck-based. While RTP and volatility explain long-term behaviour, they don’t influence what happens in your session. Wins aren’t guaranteed, and players cannot control when the fisherman wild appears.
Some UK players test the games in demo mode first, which is a safe way to see how features work before spending real money.
Conclusion: The Big Bass Legacy in the UK
The Big Bass series has grown into one of the most recognisable franchises in UK online slots. From the simplicity of the first game to the chaotic fun of Megaways, each version brings something unique while keeping the fisherman wild at its heart.
Try different Big Bass versions on Slingo and see which one feels like the right catch for you. Whether you prefer colourful visuals, quirky bonuses, or cascading reels, the choice is yours. 18+ | Play Responsibly.
