Fishin’ Reels

Getting Started with Fishin' Reels

Pragmatic Play's Fishin' Reels brings together the tranquility of angling with the thrill of casino gaming. This slot machine features a traditional setup with 5 reels, 3 rows, and 10 paylines, taking players beneath the ocean's surface in search of the most lucrative catches. Featuring dual bonus modes and a maximum payout of 1200x your stake, this game successfully blends retro charm with contemporary entertainment value.

Game Structure and Mechanics

The game grid in Fishin' Reels maintains a classic configuration featuring five reels across three rows. Ten paylines form the foundation for winning combinations, requiring players to align at least three matching symbols on an active line. The fish symbol presents a notable exception, generating wins with just two matches.

The symbol hierarchy ranges from playing card suits at the lower tier to various aquatic creatures at the premium level. Players encounter diving equipment like flippers and diving masks along the way, before the ocean reveals its treasures through starfish, lobsters, and the prized fish.

Symbol Payouts

Playing card suits deliver the most modest rewards, with diamonds and clubs paying between 0.5x and 10x the bet, while hearts and spades can reach 15x for five matches. Diving gear provides improved opportunities with maximum returns of 20x the stake.

Marine life symbols significantly increase winning potential. Starfish can deliver up to 30x returns, lobsters reach 40x, and surprisingly, frogs top out at 50x for five symbols. The most valuable standard symbol is the fish itself, awarding 100x the stake for five on a payline.

Special Symbols and Features

Fishin' Reels incorporates two key special symbols that substantially enhance gameplay potential. The wild symbol serves as a universal substitute for all symbols except the scatter, creating additional opportunities for winning combinations on each spin.

The scatter symbol appears as a swordfish and acts as the gateway to the game's bonus features. Landing three or more of these anywhere on the reels triggers the free spins feature, unlocking two distinct bonus experiences.

Bonus Features and Free Spins

The bonus system in Fishin' Reels stands out by offering players a choice between two different free spins modes. The number of awarded free spins depends on the triggering scatter count: three scatters award 10 free spins, four symbols grant 12 spins, and five scatters reward players with 15 free spins.

Reel 'Em In Feature

This bonus variant introduces unique fish symbols carrying values ranging from 0.5x to an impressive 250x the bet. The centerpiece is the fisherman, a special symbol appearing on reel five. When the fisherman appears, he automatically collects the values from all visible fish symbols on the grid.

An additional benefit of this feature is the potential for extended gameplay. Each fish collected by the fisherman awards two extra free spins, potentially creating lengthy bonus sequences with substantial rewards.

The Big Catch Bonus Round

The alternative bonus mode operates differently from Reel 'Em In. During free spins, players must watch for overlay symbols, and when three appear in a single spin, a new screen opens. This displays various fish with different value multipliers.

Players select one fish from the available options, which is then added to their win tally. The unique aspect of this feature is that selected fish are removed from the pool, so if the bonus triggers again, previously chosen fish won't be available. This mechanic continues throughout the entire free spins session.

Technical Details

Fishin' Reels operates with an RTP of 96.5%, positioning the game above average for contemporary slot machines. The volatility is rated as high, indicating that payouts may occur less frequently but potentially offer more substantial rewards when they do.

The maximum win is capped at 1200x the stake, a figure achievable through strategic bonus feature utilization. While this isn't among the highest maximum wins available, the combination of solid RTP and high volatility still creates appealing winning opportunities.

Visual Design and Atmosphere

Visually, Fishin' Reels adopts a relaxed and accessible aesthetic. The graphics feature cartoon-style artwork with soft edges and gentle colors that create a pleasant gaming experience. The underwater theme is consistently implemented, with bubbles rising through the game grid and an ocean environment forming the backdrop.

The audio design follows a minimalist approach. Background music remains subtle and restrained, primarily activating during winning moments. This audio restraint emphasizes the peaceful atmosphere the game aims to create, comparable to the serene ambiance of a quiet fishing spot.

Final Assessment

Fishin' Reels delivers a well-balanced gaming experience for those seeking fishing-themed entertainment combined with solid game mechanics. Pragmatic Play has crafted a title that may not revolutionize the genre but offers reliable entertainment through familiar mechanics enhanced with modern features.

The dual bonus options give players control over their gaming style, with Reel 'Em In favoring action and extended bonus sequences, while The Big Catch provides a more strategic approach. With its 96.5% RTP and potential for 1200x wins, the game represents an attractive option for players who appreciate high volatility and thematic entertainment.

For those seeking varied gameplay with a fishing theme and thoughtfully designed bonus features, Fishin' Reels stands as a solid choice within Pragmatic Play's portfolio of slot machines.