Big Bass Splash 1000: is the bigger ceiling worth the RTP trade?

Last updated: 13-07-2026

Big Bass Splash 1000 is Pragmatic Play's higher-ceiling remix of the original Big Bass Splash — same fishing theme, same Fisherman Wild mechanic, but a 25,000x max win instead of 5,000x. The trade-off is a slightly lower base RTP. I tested it at Johnny Kash to see whether the bigger number is worth the swap.

What actually changed from the original Big Bass Splash?

The core game is mechanically identical: 5x3 grid, 10 paylines, Fisherman Wild symbols that appear during free spins and collect Money Symbol values. What's different in the 1000 version is the frequency of the top-value 1,000x fish symbol — it shows up more often here than in the original, which is what pushes the max win ceiling from 5,000x up to 25,000x. The cost is RTP: 96.52% on Splash 1000 versus 96.71% on the original. It's a small gap, but over enough spins it adds up.

Hit frequency sits at 13.64% — lower than most AU-facing pokies — so expect longer stretches between paying spins than you'd get on something like Wolf Gold or Starburst. Up to five random modifiers can be awarded before free spins begin: extra Fishermen, more Money Symbols on the reels, level boosts, or extra spin count. More modifiers stacked together means a stronger bonus round.

Version	RTP	Max win	Hit frequency	Notes
Big Bass Splash 1000	96.52%	25,000x	13.64%	1,000x fish appears more often than in the original
Big Bass Splash (original)	96.71%	5,000x	Unknown	Better base RTP, lower ceiling

Laid out side by side, the gap between the two ceilings is easier to judge at a glance than from the numbers alone.

Author's tip from Chloe Summers, Lottery & Bingo Specialist: "The Super Free Spins buy costs 450x your stake — at a A$1 bet that's A$450 for one purchase, no win guaranteed. Only worth considering with a bankroll built specifically for it, not as a casual top-up."

Should you play this over the original?

If base RTP matters more to you, the original Big Bass Splash at 96.71% is the better long-run bet. If you're after a shot at a bigger single win and don't mind a lower hit frequency, Splash 1000's 25,000x ceiling and more frequent top-value fish symbol make the case. Neither answer is wrong — it depends on whether you're optimising for session longevity or peak potential.

Bonus buy is available at 100x for regular free spins, or 450x for Super Free Spins — the latter significantly raises the chance of hitting a high-value fish during the round, but at a steep upfront cost with a hit frequency that's already on the lower end.

18+ only. A 13.64% hit frequency means extended losing runs are normal, not a sign anything's wrong — budget your session accordingly.

Want the wider fishing series? Frozen Fruit and Piggy Bank offer different themes with their own mechanics. If terms like "hit frequency" or "bonus buy" need explaining, check the glossary. Ready to play? Log in, or start from the homepage.

FAQ

What actually changed from the original Big Bass Splash?

The core mechanics are identical — same 5x3 grid, same 10 paylines, same Fisherman Wild collecting Money Symbols during free spins. What changed is the frequency of the top-value 1,000x fish symbol, which appears more often here, pushing the max win from 5,000x up to 25,000x.

Why is the RTP lower than the original?

Big Bass Splash 1000 runs at 96.52% RTP versus 96.71% on the original — a 0.19-point trade-off for the higher ceiling. It's not a large gap on a single spin, but it compounds over a long session if base RTP matters more to you than peak potential.

How rare is a paying spin on this title?

Hit frequency sits at 13.64%, lower than most AU-facing pokies. Expect longer stretches between paying spins than titles like Wolf Gold or Starburst — that's a normal feature of this title, not a sign anything's off.

What do the Pre-Free Spins modifiers do?

Up to five random modifiers can be awarded before the free spins round begins — extra Fishermen, more Money Symbols on the reels, level boosts, or extra spin count. More modifiers stacked together produce a stronger bonus round, though they're randomly assigned, not chosen.

Is the 450x Super Free Spins buy worth it?

At a A$1 bet, it costs A$450 for a single attempt with no guaranteed return — it significantly raises the odds of hitting a high-value fish, but the hit frequency here is already on the lower end. Treat it as a specific high-roller decision rather than a casual top-up.

Should you play this or the original Big Bass Splash?

If base RTP matters more, the original at 96.71% is the better long-run bet. If you want a shot at a bigger single win and don't mind the lower hit frequency, the 1000 version's 25,000x ceiling makes the case — neither answer is wrong, it depends on what you're optimising for.