Alright, let’s dive into my Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways Slot review. As someone who’s spent countless hours chasing bonus rounds and big wins, I can tell you this one really stands out in the sea of fishing slots.
This is Pragmatic Play’s 11th Big Bass entry, cooked up with Reel Kingdom and launched on August 28, 2023. The slot keeps evolving the Big Bass DNA, adding new mechanics and ramping up the excitement for those of us who live for feature-packed reels.
Here’s where it gets exciting: you get up to 147,456 ways to win, a towering 20,000x max win, a 96.70% RTP, and two totally different bonus features. That’s a lot to chew on for any slot lover.
I’ve hammered this slot in demo mode, spinning for hours. If you’re patient and willing to ride out the dry spells, you’ll get your shot at those big moments—but I’ll be honest, quick sessions can be brutal.
So far, sites like Casino Guru and Bigwinboard haven’t posted community ratings or big-win trackers for this game. That’s not surprising—there are so many Big Bass slots and this one’s still pretty new, so player data’s a bit thin right now.
Key Takeaways
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You get two bonus paths: a free spins round with unlimited fisherman multipliers, and a hold & spin feature that locks coin symbols for respins. Both can deliver some serious thrills.
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This is a high-volatility, high-ceiling slot—think big swings, not steady payouts. You’ll want a decent bankroll and a bit of grit.
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The Megaways engine cranks up the ways to win, topping out at 147,456. No other Big Bass slot comes close.
Early Verdict And Key Numbers
Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways is easily the most ambitious Big Bass game yet. The 96.70% RTP is solid, and the volatility is as fierce as the river current after a storm.
That 20,000x max win? It’s miles ahead of most Megaways slots, which usually cap out at 5,000x or 10,000x. The two bonus routes mean you’re not stuck with just one style of play.
Reel Kingdom created the core gameplay, while Pragmatic Play handles publishing and distribution. They license the Megaways engine from Big Time Gaming, so you get that classic dynamic reel action that keeps every spin feeling fresh.
Who This Slot Suits Best
If you’re the kind of player who:
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Doesn’t mind going 200–400 spins without a bonus (I’ve been there, trust me)
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Has a bankroll that can weather some dry spells
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Loves feature-heavy slots with lots of moving parts, not just simple paylines
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Wants a shot at massive wins and isn’t afraid of the risk
This slot might be your jam. If you’re just looking for quick, low-stakes fun, though, you’ll probably want to pass—this one’s for the true slot grinders.
Provider Reputation And Series Context
The Big Bass series is legendary among fans of fishing slots—there’s Big Bass Bonanza, Bigger Bass, Splash, Megaways, Hold & Spinner, and even a couple of Christmas editions. Each one has its own flavor, but this Megaways version is the king when it comes to ways to win and max payouts.
Pragmatic Play’s known for high-volatility math models and a relentless release schedule. If you like slots that can go from dead calm to wild action in a heartbeat, you’re in the right place.
Industry Benchmark Snapshot
|
Metric |
This Slot |
Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
|
RTP |
96.70% |
~96.00% |
|
Volatility |
High |
Medium–High |
|
Max Win |
20,000x |
2,500x–5,000x |
|
Hit Frequency |
~Low |
~25%–35% |
|
Bonus Trigger Frequency |
~1 in 200–300 spins |
~1 in 150–250 spins |
|
Ways to Win |
Up to 147,456 |
243–117,649 |
Core Specs And Reel Setup
|
Metric |
Value |
|---|---|
|
Provider |
Pragmatic Play / Reel Kingdom |
|
RTP |
96.70% (operator-configurable lower variants exist) |
|
Volatility |
High |
|
Max Win |
20,000x bet |
|
Hit Frequency |
Not publicly disclosed |
|
Bonus Trigger Frequency |
Not publicly disclosed |
|
Minimum Bet |
$0.20 |
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Maximum Bet |
$100.00 |
|
Reels |
6 reels, 2–6 rows each |
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Extra Top Reels |
3 horizontal top reels above reels 2–5 |
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Ways to Win |
Up to 147,456 Megaways |
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Paylines |
None (Megaways mechanic replaces fixed paylines) |
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Release Date |
August 28, 2023 |
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Mobile Compatible |
Yes (Mobile and Desktop) |
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Autoplay |
Yes |
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Demo Mode |
Yes |
RTP Variants And Bet Range
The official RTP sits at 96.70%, which is a notch above the industry norm. Some casinos might offer lower RTP versions, so I always double-check the in-game info panel before I start spinning—just to be sure I’m getting the best odds.
Betting starts at $0.20 and tops out at $100.00 per spin. That’s pretty standard for Pragmatic Play, but don’t let the low minimum fool you—this slot can eat a bankroll fast if you hit a cold streak.
6-Reel Layout And Extra Top Reels
The main grid uses 6 reels, each showing 2 to 6 symbols per spin. Thanks to the Megaways mechanic, the setup changes constantly, so no two spins look quite the same.
Above reels 2 through 5, you’ll see three extra horizontal reels. Sometimes they’re in play, sometimes not, but when they show up, they add even more ways to win. It’s a unique twist compared to the usual Megaways setup.
Ways To Win Versus Traditional Paylines
Forget fixed paylines—here, matching symbols on adjacent reels from left to right count as a win. The number of possible ways jumps up and down every spin, depending on how many symbols land per reel and whether those top reels are active.
At its wildest, you’re looking at 147,456 ways to win. Most spins won’t hit that max, but when the reels come alive and everything lines up, it’s a rush you won’t forget.
How The Base Game Works
The base game here is all about that Megaways engine, layered with the tumble mechanic—cascading reels, tumbling symbols, the works. Every win, you’ll see fish and mystery symbols coming into play, and the reels just come alive with every chain reaction.
Before you hit spin, I always recommend checking the paytable. You’ll want to see how those up to 147,456 ways to win can stack up—it’s wild to see just how many combinations you can land in a single round.
Megaways And Cascading Win Flow
Each spin gives you a fresh Megaways count, so the grid never feels predictable. When you hit a win, those symbols vanish and new ones tumble in from above, thanks to the tumble feature.
Sometimes, you’ll get on a roll and the cascades just keep coming—no limits, just win after win, all for the price of one spin. Rows shift, ways to win change, and suddenly you’re watching a single spin explode into a string of payouts. It’s honestly one of the most thrilling things about Megaways slots.
Regular Symbols, Wilds, And Scatters
The symbols stick to the classic Big Bass vibe. You’ve got your playing card royals—10, J, Q, K, A—all dressed up with fishing touches, plus high-value icons like the tackle box, dragonfly, fishing rod, and bobber.
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Low-value symbols: The card royals, all with a splash of fishing gear style.
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High-value symbols: Tackle box, dragonfly, rod, and bobber. These are the ones that get your heart racing when they line up.
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Wild symbol: The Fisherman wild stands in for any regular symbol. He’s a game-changer, especially in the bonus rounds, scooping up those fish values like a pro.
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Fishing net wild: This one acts just like the regular wild, giving you more chances for a big hit.
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Scatter symbol: Fish scatter—this is your ticket to the Free Spins round, so keep your eyes peeled for it.
Wilds only show up on the main 6-reel grid, not the extra top reels. That’s worth remembering when you’re chasing those big combos.
Mystery Symbols And Fish Values
The lamp mystery symbol drops in and, when it reveals, it transforms every spot it lands on into the same paying symbol. This can suddenly create wins you didn’t see coming—it’s a real adrenaline jolt.
Fish money symbols show off their coin values, anywhere from 2x all the way up to a jaw-dropping 10,000x your bet. Here’s the catch: in the base game, they just sit there, teasing you. You’ll only collect their value in the free spins feature, and that’s when things get truly exciting.
If a fisherman lands next to these fish, that’s when the magic happens—but only in the bonus. Until then, those big numbers are just waiting for their moment.
Bonus Features And Trigger Conditions
Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways is packed with bonus features, and honestly, this is where the game really flexes its muscles. Let’s break down what you’ll actually experience when you’re spinning for features.
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Feature |
Trigger Condition |
Description |
Win Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Free Spins Round |
3+ scatter symbols |
10 spins (3 scatters), 15 spins (4), 20 spins (5); Fisherman collects fish money values as multipliers |
Uncapped multiplier, contributes to 20,000x ceiling |
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Fisherman Multiplier Retrigger |
Every 4 Fisherman wilds collected |
+10 free spins; multiplier increases: 2x (1st), 3x (2nd), 20x (3rd) |
Multiplier stacks to 20x |
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Hold & Spinner Bonus |
3+ coin money symbols land |
Coin symbols lock; remaining reels respin up to 3 times; additional coins reset the spin count |
Values up to 2,000x per coin symbol |
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Diamond Money Upgrade |
During Hold & Spin |
Certain coin positions upgrade to diamond money symbols with higher printed values |
Higher individual cell values |
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Bonus Buy: Free Spins |
Instant purchase |
Direct access to Free Spins round |
Approx. 100x bet cost |
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Bonus Buy: Hold & Spinner |
Instant purchase |
Direct access to Hold & Spinner bonus |
Approx. 10x–15x bet cost (lower-risk entry) |
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Higher Chance Spin |
Feature toggle |
Extra scatters added to reels for one spin; increases Free Spins trigger probability |
Better trigger odds, same bonus |
Free Spins Round And Fisherman Multipliers
This is where it gets exciting—the free spins bonus is the main event for big win chasers. When the Fisherman wild lands, he scoops up every fish money value you can see, and those totals get added up and paid as a multiplier.
There’s no hard ceiling on the multiplier’s size during a single bonus. If you retrigger, you get more spins and the multiplier can shoot up—hitting 20x by the third retrigger. That’s how those monster wins are possible, and trust me, the anticipation is unreal when you’re close to that next retrigger.
Hold & Spin Bonus And Money Symbols
When three or more coin money symbols land, the hold & spinner feature kicks in. Those coins lock, the rest of the reels respin, and every new coin resets your spin counter back to three. The suspense as you watch for another coin to drop is honestly addictive.
Coin money symbols range from 1x to 2,000x, and if you get lucky, some positions can upgrade to diamond money symbols for even bigger prizes. Fill every spot with coins? Jackpot time—it’s a rare sight, but it’s what we all spin for.
This feature feels totally different from free spins. It’s fast, focused, and the potential is capped, so it’s more about steady wins than chasing the dream payout. I love it for breaking up long sessions, especially if you need a breather from the high-volatility swings.
Bonus Buy Availability And Costs
If you’re in a market that allows it, you can buy straight into either bonus—free spins or hold & spinner. This is perfect if you’re impatient like me and just want to cut to the chase.
Bonus buys aren’t available everywhere (sorry, UK folks). But when they are, you can target the bonus that fits your mood or bankroll, without waiting for a natural trigger. Sometimes, that’s the best way to get the most out of a short session.
Strengths, Trade-Offs, And Similar Games
What The Slot Does Better Than Average
The dual bonus path design is what really sets this game apart. You get two distinct bonus rounds, and you can chase whichever one fits your style—either from natural play or by buying in. Most Megaways slots at this volatility only offer a single bonus, so this is a breath of fresh air.
That 20,000x max win ceiling? It’s huge for a fishing slot. Most Big Bass games top out at 4,000x or 10,000x, but here, the uncapped multiplier in free spins lets you dream big. No artificial limits, just pure, heart-pounding potential if you catch the right run.
With 147,456 ways to win, this slot blows past Big Bass Bonanza Megaways and its 117,649 ways. Right now, it’s the most expansive in the whole Big Bass lineup.
The 96.70% RTP is a sweet spot too—comfortably above the series average and the general industry benchmark. It’s a little edge, but it makes a difference over time.
Where The Risk And Weaknesses Show
I won’t sugarcoat it: this is a high-volatility beast. The base game can go ice-cold for what feels like forever—sometimes 150 dead spins or more without anything meaningful. If you’re hoping for steady base game action, this one can test your patience.
The Hold & Spin bonus, while it’s a blast, just doesn’t have the ceiling of free spins. With coin values capped at 2,000x per symbol, it’s more of a variance-breaker than a true jackpot path. Waiting ages for this feature, only for a modest payout, can sting a bit.
In the base game, mystery symbols and fish money values look flashy, but they don’t do much until you hit free spins. Sometimes it feels like the real game is locked behind the bonus, and the base play is just spinning your wheels until you get there.
Closest Alternatives For Similar Play Styles
|
Slot Name |
Provider |
Similar To This Slot On |
|---|---|---|
|
Big Bass Bonanza Megaways |
Pragmatic Play / Reel Kingdom |
Same franchise, Megaways engine, fisherman multiplier mechanic, similar volatility |
|
Bigger Bass Bonanza |
Pragmatic Play / Reel Kingdom |
Same franchise, high volatility, fish money collection mechanic in Free Spins |
|
Big Bass Splash |
Pragmatic Play / Reel Kingdom |
Same franchise, fishing theme, fisherman wild collector mechanic, simpler grid |
|
Big Bass Bonanza 1000 |
Pragmatic Play / Reel Kingdom |
Same franchise, escalated max win ceiling, same core mechanic family |
|
Big Bass Christmas Bash |
Pragmatic Play / Reel Kingdom |
Same franchise, holiday re-skin, equivalent bonus structure |
|
Big Bass Bonanza Hold & Spinner |
Pragmatic Play / Reel Kingdom |
Direct predecessor: Hold & Spin mechanic on non-Megaways grid, lower ways to win |
Strengths, Trade-Offs, And Similar Games
Pros
|
Advantage |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|
|
20,000x max win ceiling |
Way above the 5,000x–10,000x range you usually see in high-volatility Megaways fishing slots. That’s the kind of ceiling that keeps hardcore chasers coming back for more. |
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Two distinct bonus paths |
Free Spins and Hold & Spin scratch totally different itches. You can even buy straight into your favorite—no waiting for that elusive scatter tease if you’re feeling impatient. |
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96.70% RTP |
That’s a solid number, sitting above the 96.00% industry average and even higher than most of the older Big Bass games. Always nice to see. |
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Up to 147,456 Megaways |
This is the most ways-to-win you’ll find in any Big Bass slot, thanks to that extra top reel. The grid just feels alive when it’s fully expanded. |
Cons
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Weakness |
Why It Matters |
|---|---|
|
Severe base-game volatility |
Get ready for some dry spells. The base game can go ages without a decent hit, so short sessions or tiny bankrolls can feel brutal. |
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Hold & Spin ceiling is limited |
Coin symbol values max out at 2,000x each. Honestly, the Hold & Spin feels like a warm-up act compared to what Free Spins can do. |
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Fish money symbols are dormant in the base game |
Those big numbers on fish money symbols? They just sit there, taunting you, until you finally trigger Free Spins. It can be a little frustrating. |
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Bonus trigger frequency not disclosed |
No official hit rate means you’re flying a bit blind when planning your session. I wish more providers published this info. |
You’ll find Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways at a bunch of online casinos, but I’ll be honest—not every player is going to vibe with this one, especially if you’re on a tight budget or don’t love high volatility. Want to scope out some other options first? Check out our full slot reviews at FreeCasino.co—I’ve spun through all kinds of volatility levels and mechanics so you can pick your next adventure with confidence.
