# How do Big Bass Bonanza free spins and Fisherman multipliers work? Canonical HTML: [How do Big Bass Bonanza free spins and Fisherman multipliers work?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/how-do-big-bass-bonanza-free-spins-work/) Published: 2026-11-02 Updated: 2026-11-02 Publisher: HowToCasino Language: en-GB Topic: Slots & mechanics ## The short answer In the original Big Bass Bonanza, three, four or five Scatters award 10, 15 or 20 free spins. During the feature, a Fisherman Wild collects the Money Fish values on that spin. Every fourth collected Fisherman awards 10 additional spins, progressing through 2×, 3× and 10× collection stages. The new multiplier belongs to the retriggered batch; it does not retroactively increase earlier catches. ## Find your answer - [Why were the fish not collected?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/how-do-big-bass-bonanza-free-spins-work/#collection) - [When does the new multiplier start?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/how-do-big-bass-bonanza-free-spins-work/#batch-timing) - [Check a collection in pounds](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/how-do-big-bass-bonanza-free-spins-work/#pound-example) ![A fourth Fisherman earns ten additional spins at two times. Three remaining spins in the current batch stay at one times before the new batch starts.](https://howtocasino.uk/illustrations/big-bass-bonanza-retrigger-batches.png) Illustrative counter position: three spins remain in the initial 1× batch when the fourth Fisherman is collected. Finish those three at 1×, then start the awarded ten at 2×. This shows timing, not a prediction or an actual game screenshot. ## Which Big Bass Bonanza does this explain? This guide covers original Big Bass Bonanza: the five-reel, 10-line game developed with Reel Kingdom and launched by Pragmatic Play in December 2020. Match that title in your game help before using the bonus rules below. Big Bass Splash, Bigger Bass Bonanza, Megaways and Hold & Spinner are separate titles. For example, an added net or another collection feature in a sequel is not a missing instruction for the original. Our [Big Bass Splash guide](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/how-do-you-play-big-bass-splash/index.md) covers that named variation. For the published return percentages and their different configurations, see our [Big Bass Bonanza RTP comparison](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/what-is-the-rtp-of-big-bass-bonanza/index.md). This walkthrough explains the bonus sequence and its cash awards. Sources: - [Big Bass Bonanza original launch, 14 December 2020](https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/news/pragmatic-play-turns-fishing-to-spins-in-big-bass-bonanza/) — Pragmatic Play. Checked 2026-11-02. - [Big Bass Bonanza: public description, including multiple collectors](https://www.betfred.com/games/big-bass-bonanza) — Betfred. Checked 2026-11-02. ## How many Scatters start the free spins? | Scatters on the triggering result | Starting allocation | | --- | --- | | 3 | 10 free spins | | 4 | 15 free spins | | 5 | 20 free spins | The Scatter is the symbol marked for the feature trigger. A Money Fish displaying a value and a Fisherman Wild have different jobs. Counting every fishing-related picture as a Scatter gives the wrong answer. These are included plays awarded inside a paid game round. They are different from a [casino promotion](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/how-do-casino-free-spins-work/index.md) that credits an allocation to an account. The promotion can have its own eligibility and expiry terms; the game’s trigger table describes what happens within the game. Sources: - [Big Bass Bonanza: original Scatter awards and three retrigger stages](https://www.virgingames.com/uk/slots/big-bass-bonanza) — Virgin Games. Checked 2026-11-02. ## Why can a fish value appear without being collected? Money Fish carry values, but their presence alone is not the collection event. During the feature, the Fisherman acts as a Wild and collects the Money Fish on the same spin. The Wild can also substitute in ordinary combinations, except for the Scatter. | Observed event in the free-spin feature | How to interpret it | | --- | --- | | Money Fish, no Fisherman | Do not count the displayed fish values as collected money. Ordinary line awards are a separate calculation. | | Fisherman with Money Fish | Each qualifying Fisherman collects the visible Money Fish values. | | Several Fishermen with Money Fish | The same fish total can be collected more than once, according to the number of Fishermen. | | Fisherman without Money Fish | A random addition of Money Fish may occur under the special rule; it is not guaranteed. | A Fisherman can both collect money and advance the retrigger counter. Record these separately: progress towards extra spins is not itself a cash award. Sources: - [Big Bass Bonanza: public description, including multiple collectors](https://www.betfred.com/games/big-bass-bonanza) — Betfred. Checked 2026-11-02. - [Big Bass Bonanza: original Scatter awards and three retrigger stages](https://www.virgingames.com/uk/slots/big-bass-bonanza) — Virgin Games. Checked 2026-11-02. ## How do the 2×, 3× and 10× stages work? | Counter milestone | Additional spins | Collection stage for that awarded batch | | --- | --- | --- | | Fourth Fisherman | 10 | 2× | | Eighth Fisherman | 10 | 3× | | Twelfth Fisherman | 10 | 10× | Fishermen accumulate across the feature; four need not land together. The original game allows three retriggers, ending at the 10× stage. Each stage replaces the previous factor. The sequence is 2×, then 3×, then 10×; the factors do not multiply together. A higher collection factor is still conditional on a collection. If no Fisherman collects Money Fish in an awarded batch, that batch has no Money Fish collection return. Any ordinary line awards must be considered separately. Sources: - [Original Big Bass Bonanza rules: third-party copy; feature mechanics only](https://cdn.yesplay.bet/assets/documents/pragmatic-play-Big-Bass-Bonanza-rules.pdf) — Pragmatic Play rules, third-party-hosted copy. Checked 2026-11-02. - [Big Bass Bonanza: original Scatter awards and three retrigger stages](https://www.virgingames.com/uk/slots/big-bass-bonanza) — Virgin Games. Checked 2026-11-02. ## Does the fourth Fisherman immediately double all remaining spins? The rules copy specifies that retriggered spins are played after the previous batch finishes, and that the multiplier applies to those retriggered spins. Earning a batch and starting it are different moments. For the illustration, suppose the fourth Fisherman has just been collected and the initial allocation still has three plays remaining. Those three are still in the initial 1× batch. The awarded ten follow at 2×. This is an invented counter position used to explain the stated timing; it is not a simulated result. > **Read the active stage, not just the newly earned stage** > > A screen announcing a retrigger is not permission to multiply a previous collection again. Use the factor recorded for the spin being settled, and distinguish remaining current-batch plays from queued additional plays. Sources: - [Original Big Bass Bonanza rules: third-party copy; feature mechanics only](https://cdn.yesplay.bet/assets/documents/pragmatic-play-Big-Bass-Bonanza-rules.pdf) — Pragmatic Play rules, third-party-hosted copy. Checked 2026-11-02. ## How do multiple Fishermen change a collection in pounds? Consider an invented spin in the initial 1× stage. Assume the displayed Money Fish amounts are 20p, 40p and 60p, and two Fishermen land. Their sum is £1.20; two collectors produce £2.40 of Money Fish awards. The example uses cash amounts, not unexplained coin or line-bet units. | Calculation in the example | Amount | | --- | --- | | Money Fish total | £0.20 + £0.40 + £0.60 = £1.20 | | Two collections at the initial 1× stage | 2 × £1.20 = £2.40 | | Invented ordinary line award, counted separately | £0.20 | | Assumed complete return for this paid round | £2.60 | | Assumed single paid-round cost | £0.40 | | Net result under those assumptions | £2.20 profit | For that full-round ledger, assume all other plays in the feature and the triggering result add nothing beyond the stated awards. The extra 20p line award is an assumption, not a quotation from a symbol paytable. Earlier paid rounds used before this round are outside the ledger and would increase session spending. For a later stage, establish whether the displayed amounts or history already include its multiplier before doing another multiplication. Applying a factor twice can create a plausible-looking but wrong total. If no Fisherman landed in the invented collection spin, the Money Fish part would be £0; that does not automatically rule out an unrelated line award. A complete calculation needs the total paid stake and the total credited return. Our [rules-and-paytable guide](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/how-to-read-game-rules/index.md) explains how to keep line stakes, total stakes and cash values apart. Sources: - [Big Bass Bonanza: public description, including multiple collectors](https://www.betfred.com/games/big-bass-bonanza) — Betfred. Checked 2026-11-02. ## Can a retrigger or a 10× stage be made due? The displayed counter describes progress within the current feature. It is not evidence that the next required symbol will appear. An incomplete trail, a sequence without a Fisherman or a previous unsuccessful feature does not supply a probability calculation for the next result. The original rules also include a feature win limit that can end the feature and discard remaining plays when reached. Therefore the starting allocation plus earned retriggers should not be described as an unconditional promise that every remaining play must take place. This explanation is about reading a recorded feature, not a method for obtaining one. The [slot-prediction guide](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/can-you-predict-online-slot-results/index.md) discusses why a recent sequence cannot establish that a bonus is due. Sources: - [Original Big Bass Bonanza rules: third-party copy; feature mechanics only](https://cdn.yesplay.bet/assets/documents/pragmatic-play-Big-Bass-Bonanza-rules.pdf) — Pragmatic Play rules, third-party-hosted copy. Checked 2026-11-02. - [RTS 7: generation of random outcomes](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/manual/remote-gambling-and-software-technical-standards/rts-7-generation-of-random-outcomes) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-11-01. ## What should you check in the actual GB game? 1. Match the full game title and supplier. 2. Separate Scatters, Money Fish and Fishermen. 3. Record the active collection stage and which batch is being played. 4. Check units before adding line and collection awards. 5. Keep a transaction or game-history reference if settlement remains unclear. Use the current GB game help for its configuration, controls and stake limits. The international rules copy used here supports the bonus mechanics; its settings are not presented as current GB limits or an installed RTP. **How we checked this explanation** On 2 November 2026 we compared the supplier’s launch description, an undated third-party-hosted rules copy and public Virgin Games and Betfred descriptions. We matched betfred.com to Petfre (Gibraltar) Limited, UKGC account 39544, with active Remote Casino activity. This was public-document research, with no game-launch or payment test. Old or international help may show autoplay. Current GB RTS 8 requires individual commitment to game cycles; those older controls are not instructions for the GB service. Sources: - [Big Bass Bonanza original launch, 14 December 2020](https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/news/pragmatic-play-turns-fishing-to-spins-in-big-bass-bonanza/) — Pragmatic Play. Checked 2026-11-02. - [Original Big Bass Bonanza rules: third-party copy; feature mechanics only](https://cdn.yesplay.bet/assets/documents/pragmatic-play-Big-Bass-Bonanza-rules.pdf) — Pragmatic Play rules, third-party-hosted copy. Checked 2026-11-02. - [Big Bass Bonanza: original Scatter awards and three retrigger stages](https://www.virgingames.com/uk/slots/big-bass-bonanza) — Virgin Games. Checked 2026-11-02. - [Big Bass Bonanza: public description, including multiple collectors](https://www.betfred.com/games/big-bass-bonanza) — Betfred. Checked 2026-11-02. - [Petfre (Gibraltar) Limited: active Remote Casino permission, account 39544](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-register/business/detail/39544) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-11-02. - [Petfre (Gibraltar) Limited: active betfred.com domain entry](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-register/business/detail/domain-names/39544) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-11-02. - [RTS 8: individual commitment to game cycles and autoplay restriction](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/manual/remote-gambling-and-software-technical-standards/rts-8-autoplay-functionality) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-11-02. ## Which detail do you need to check next? - [Compare the published Big Bass Bonanza RTP figures](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/what-is-the-rtp-of-big-bass-bonanza/index.md): Separate the supplier headline, a documented operator figure and your own session result. - [Check an exact GB game listing](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/where-can-i-find-a-specific-online-slot-in-the-uk/index.md): Use the named-slot checklist to distinguish the original game from another Big Bass title. ## Related questions ### How many free spins do three Scatters give in Big Bass Bonanza? In the original game, three award 10 free spins. Four award 15 and five award 20. This does not establish the trigger table of a sequel. Sources: - [Big Bass Bonanza: original Scatter awards and three retrigger stages](https://www.virgingames.com/uk/slots/big-bass-bonanza) — Virgin Games. Checked 2026-11-02. ### Do four Fishermen have to land on the same spin? No. They accumulate in the feature counter. The fourth, eighth and twelfth collected Fishermen are the retrigger milestones in the original sequence. Sources: - [Original Big Bass Bonanza rules: third-party copy; feature mechanics only](https://cdn.yesplay.bet/assets/documents/pragmatic-play-Big-Bass-Bonanza-rules.pdf) — Pragmatic Play rules, third-party-hosted copy. Checked 2026-11-02. ### Can two Fishermen collect the same fish values? Betfred’s original-game description says multiple Wilds collect the fish total according to how many Wilds landed. Keep any applicable collection-stage factor and already multiplied amounts clear. Sources: - [Big Bass Bonanza: public description, including multiple collectors](https://www.betfred.com/games/big-bass-bonanza) — Betfred. Checked 2026-11-02. ### Does a retrigger multiply catches from earlier spins? No. The rules assign the new factor to the awarded retrigger batch, played after the previous allocation ends. Earlier settled catches are not recalculated. Sources: - [Original Big Bass Bonanza rules: third-party copy; feature mechanics only](https://cdn.yesplay.bet/assets/documents/pragmatic-play-Big-Bass-Bonanza-rules.pdf) — Pragmatic Play rules, third-party-hosted copy. Checked 2026-11-02. ### Does reaching the 10× stage guarantee a large return? No. A collection still needs the relevant symbols. The factor is not a minimum prize, a return on a deposit or a promise to recover earlier spending. ### Are these the rules for Big Bass Splash? No. This answer concerns original Big Bass Bonanza. A shared family name does not establish identical collection features, retriggers or return configurations. ## Sources and checks - [Big Bass Bonanza original launch, 14 December 2020](https://www.pragmaticplay.com/en/news/pragmatic-play-turns-fishing-to-spins-in-big-bass-bonanza/) — Pragmatic Play. Checked 2026-11-02. - [Big Bass Bonanza: public description, including multiple collectors](https://www.betfred.com/games/big-bass-bonanza) — Betfred. Checked 2026-11-02. - [Big Bass Bonanza: original Scatter awards and three retrigger stages](https://www.virgingames.com/uk/slots/big-bass-bonanza) — Virgin Games. Checked 2026-11-02. - [Original Big Bass Bonanza rules: third-party copy; feature mechanics only](https://cdn.yesplay.bet/assets/documents/pragmatic-play-Big-Bass-Bonanza-rules.pdf) — Pragmatic Play rules, third-party-hosted copy. Checked 2026-11-02. - [RTS 7: generation of random outcomes](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/manual/remote-gambling-and-software-technical-standards/rts-7-generation-of-random-outcomes) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-11-01. - [Petfre (Gibraltar) Limited: active Remote Casino permission, account 39544](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-register/business/detail/39544) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-11-02. - [Petfre (Gibraltar) Limited: active betfred.com domain entry](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-register/business/detail/domain-names/39544) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-11-02. - [RTS 8: individual commitment to game cycles and autoplay restriction](https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/manual/remote-gambling-and-software-technical-standards/rts-8-autoplay-functionality) — Gambling Commission. Checked 2026-11-02. ## Keep exploring - [What is the RTP of Big Bass Bonanza?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/what-is-the-rtp-of-big-bass-bonanza/index.md) - [How do you play Big Bass Splash?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/how-do-you-play-big-bass-splash/index.md) - [What are wild symbols in slots?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/what-are-wild-symbols-in-slots/index.md) - [How do casino promotional free spins work?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/how-do-casino-free-spins-work/index.md) - [How often do slots pay out? Hit frequency and profitable rounds](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/how-often-do-slots-pay-out/index.md) - [How do you read slot game rules and paytables?](https://howtocasino.uk/guides/how-to-read-game-rules/index.md) 18+; for adults in Great Britain. Gambling involves a risk of loss. Examples are explanations, not offers or guaranteed outcomes. [Support and safer gambling](https://howtocasino.uk/safer-gambling/).