If you’ve ever cast your line into the world of fishing-themed slots, chances are you’ve come across Big Bass Bonanza. This slot from Pragmatic Play has become a UK player favourite thanks to its lively underwater theme, fisherman wilds, and most importantly, its free spins feature.
The free spins round is where the game really shows its character. Not only do you get a batch of no-cost spins, but retriggers bring extra rounds while multipliers stack to make every catch feel bigger. Add in the fisherman wild, who collects fish prizes along the way, and you’ve got a mechanic that keeps players coming back.
This guide breaks down how to trigger the free spins, what the retrigger ladder looks like, and how the multipliers climb from 2x up to 10x. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect from Big Bass Bonanza’s bonus round.
Triggering Free Spins in Big Bass Bonanza
The journey to free spins begins with the scatter symbol—the big bass fish marked SCATTER.
Scatter Requirements
- 3 scatters = 10 free spins
- 4 scatters = 15 free spins
- 5 scatters = 20 free spins
It doesn’t matter where the scatters land on the reels; as long as three or more are visible, the bonus will trigger. This makes every spin exciting, as a scatter on reel one and another on reel five still counts.
Stake Options in the UK
On UK-licensed sites, spin costs typically start at £0.10 per spin and scale upwards, depending on your chosen stake. Since the free spins feature is tied directly to your stake, triggering the bonus while playing at a higher level increases the potential fish prize values, though outcomes always remain chance-based.
The Fisherman Wild Explained
Once free spins begin, the fisherman wild becomes the key symbol.
Collecting Fish Prizes
Every fish on the reels carries a random cash value. When the fisherman appears, he casts his net and collects all visible fish at once. If you land three fish worth £2 each, a single fisherman instantly scoops up £6.
Building Towards Retriggers
Each fisherman also adds to your retrigger tally. Collecting enough fishermen over the course of the round unlocks additional spins and increases the multiplier for fish values. This dual role—collector and retrigger builder—makes the fisherman the most important character in the game.
Fisherman Without Fish
Even if no fish appear, a lone fisherman still contributes to retrigger progress. That means no spin is wasted, keeping the momentum of the round alive.
Multipliers and Retriggers
The most exciting element of the bonus is how multipliers climb as retriggers stack.
The Multiplier Ladder
- First retrigger (4 fishermen): 10 extra spins, fish prizes collected with a 2x multiplier.
- Second retrigger (8 fishermen total): 10 more spins, prizes now collected with a 3x multiplier.
- Third retrigger (12 fishermen total): 10 additional spins, all collections boosted by a 10x multiplier.
After the 10x stage, retriggers continue to add more spins, though the multiplier remains at its highest level.
Visualising Multiplier Growth
Imagine you’ve reached the 3x stage. If a fisherman collects two fish worth £4 each, instead of £8 total, you’ll receive £24. At the 10x stage, those same fish would pay £80, showing just how powerful retriggers can become.
Keeping the Free Spins Going
Because retriggers are key, players often focus on how to keep the feature running.
Building Momentum with Fishermen
Every wild that appears nudges you closer to the next tier. Four fishermen always equals another 10 spins, so each wild feels like a step forward.
The Element of Chance
Not every session will reach the 10x multiplier. Some rounds may end quickly, while others climb higher through multiple retriggers. Since the game is built on chance, it’s important to see each bonus as unpredictable and luck-based.
Example Bonus Round Playthrough
Here’s how a session might unfold:
- You land 3 scatters, triggering 10 free spins.
- On spin two, a fisherman collects two £3 fish = £6.
- By spin eight, you’ve landed four fishermen, retriggering 10 spins with a 2x multiplier.
- During the retriggered spins, a fisherman nets three £2 fish. With the 2x multiplier, this pays £12.
- Another four fishermen later, you retrigger again, this time reaching the 3x multiplier.
This snowball effect shows how quickly the feature can expand.
RTP, Volatility, and Bonus Frequency
RTP in Big Bass Bonanza
The RTP (Return to Player) stands at 96.71%, which means that over time, the game pays back this percentage on average. Remember, RTP is calculated over thousands of spins, not individual sessions.
Volatility Considerations
As a high-volatility slot, Big Bass Bonanza’s free spins may not appear frequently. However, when they do, retriggers and multipliers can extend the feature into a longer experience. UK players should be aware that patience is often part of the gameplay.
Comparing Big Bass Multipliers to Other Fishing Slots
Other fishing slots in the Big Bass series expand on the same multiplier concept.
Bigger Bass Bonanza
Adds more paylines and bigger prize potential while keeping the retrigger multiplier system intact.
Big Bass Splash
Introduces modifiers that can make scatters easier to land, speeding up the path to free spins.
By understanding the original Big Bass Bonanza first, it’s easier to appreciate how sequels add variety to the formula.
Internal Resources for UK Players
Want more Big Bass insights? Explore our dedicated content:
- Read our how to play big bass bonanza blog for a step-by-step beginner tutorial.
- Check the slot review for RTP, volatility, and feature analysis.
Bonus Round FAQ
How do I trigger free spins?
Land 3 or more scatter symbols anywhere on the reels.
How do retriggers work?
Collect 4 fishermen wilds during the feature to add 10 spins and increase the multiplier.
What’s the maximum multiplier?
The ladder goes up to 10x after three retriggers.
Can I buy the bonus in the UK?
No, bonus buys are not available on UK-licensed sites. Free spins must be unlocked naturally.
What’s the minimum stake?
Spins typically start at £0.10 per spin on licensed UK sites.
Final Thoughts
The free spins round in Big Bass Bonanza is more than just a bonus, it’s a layered mechanic that builds excitement through retriggers and multipliers. The fisherman wild ensures that every spin contributes, whether he’s collecting fish prizes or moving you closer to the next multiplier stage.
For UK players, the experience is best seen as fun and unpredictable. Wins are never guaranteed in UK online slot games, and the random nature of retriggers means no two bonus rounds feel the same.
Spin Big Bass Bonanza free or for real on Slingo today and see how far your fisherman can take you. 18+ | Play Responsibly.
