Big Bass Bonanza Keeping it Reel

DetailDescription
Reels / Rows5 reels, 3 rows
Pay-lines10 (fixed)
SymbolsFloat, fishing rod, dragonfly, tackle box, fish, A, K, Q, J, 10, Fisherman Wild (Free Spins only), Money symbol (2 × – 2 000 ×), Scatter
Bonus gameFree Spins with 4 levels, rising multipliers (up to 10 ×), Fisherman Wild collects Money symbol values
VolatilityHigh
RTP96.07 %

Pragmatic Play stripped things back in October 2023 with Big Bass Bonanza – Keeping It Reel, a 5 × 3 pokie that sticks to 10 fixed pay-lines and keeps the beloved fishing vibe front-and-centre. The result is a classic, high-volatility ride that feels instantly familiar yet still packs plenty of punch for Aussie spinners.

You can load the game at any reputable offshore casino that accepts AUD deposits and withdrawals. Pick a stake between A$0.10 and A$250 per spin, hit the big green button and watch the bait hit the water.

Game features

Keeping It Reel dials back the extras so the core 5 × 3 gameplay can shine. You’ll still find crisp, cartoon-style artwork and the signature splash when a big win lands, but the maths stays lean and easy to follow.

Together, these symbols create straightforward pay-hierarchies that newcomers grasp in seconds while veterans dive straight into the hunt.

Bonus games

Free Spins are the engine of big wins and the place where volatility spikes. Land scatters anywhere to trigger the feature; the more you catch, the longer the round lasts.

Retriggers are possible, so the round can stretch far beyond its opening tally often where session-saving jackpots surface.

Level system in Free Spins

A four-step collection ladder adds an extra layer of thrill. Every Fisherman Wild you land is banked; four of them push you to the next tier and grant extra spins.

Each upgrade also awards +10 Free Spins, letting the boosted multiplier bite into upgraded Money symbols for serious payout potential.

Random extras keep the bonus lively: Money symbols can jump to higher values when a fisherman shows up, and hooks may yank in extra fish if wilds drop without any cash to collect.

How to play

With the lines locked at ten, your only decision is bet size. Use the ± buttons to choose your stake; quick-spin and autoplay (up to 1 000 spins) are on hand if you fancy a faster tempo. During Free Spins watch for the fisherman count at the top of the screen planning your next bankroll move around it can pay dividends.

RTP & volatility

The maths model sits at 96.07 % RTP and high volatility, meaning lengthy dry spells can precede tidal-wave wins perfect for players who enjoy the tension of big-game fishing. Estimated hit frequency is 1 in 3.8 spins, with the bonus surfacing around once every 95 spins. The headline payout tops out at 10 000 × your bet.

Tips & strategy

High-variance pokies reward discipline and foresight. Keep at least 200 × your base stake in reserve, so you can ride out barren patches without tilting your session. Focus on banking Fisherman Wilds early in the bonus – higher levels (×3 and ×10) are where life-changing hauls lurk. And remember: patience is your best tackle when you’re Keeping It Reel.

Big Bass Keeping it Reel FAQ

How is this game different from the original Big Bass Bonanza?

“Keeping it Reel” simplifies the mechanics, with 10 fixed paylines instead of Megaways. It offers an RTP of 96.07% and adds random features during free spins.

Can I play with fewer than 10 paylines?

No, all 10 paylines are always active.

Do the fisherman wilds only appear during free spins?

Yes, the fisherman wilds are only available during the free spins round.

What are the best ways to get big wins?

The two main ways are:
1. Land five float symbols on a payline (200x the bet).
2. Collect a high-value money symbol during Level 4 of the free spins (up to 2,000x the bet, multiplied by the 10x multiplier)