Hacksaw Gaming has added its own spin to the popular fishing slot genre with Marlin Masters, an online casino game designed for players who enjoy cash-collecting mechanics and progressive bonus rounds. This title takes inspiration from well-known games like Fishin’ Frenzy and Big Bass Bonanza, but it introduces distinct features that set it apart. With a 5×4 reel setup, 14 paylines, and an RTP that maxes out at 96.24%, Marlin Masters offers mid-range volatility and a 7,500x maximum win potential.
The game’s mechanics revolve around Marlin symbols, which act as cash prizes ranging from 1x to 1,000x the bet. These symbols can be collected in two ways: through a winning Lootline combination (three or more Marlin symbols) or by landing a Fisherman symbol on the reels. The Fisherman symbol is key to unlocking bigger payouts, as it collects all Marlin values present on the grid, applying multipliers that range from 1x to 20x.
Marlin Masters also includes a Wild symbol—an anchor—that substitutes for other standard symbols to form winning combinations.
Reel It In: Progressive Free Spins Feature
Landing three FS scatter symbols in the base game activates the Reel It In bonus feature, granting players 10 free spins. This mode introduces a Marlin Progress Bar, which advances each time a Fisherman symbol lands, regardless of whether it collects any Marlin symbols.
The progression system rewards players with additional spins and guaranteed multipliers:
- Level 1: Four Fisherman symbols award 10 extra spins; all subsequent Fisherman symbols come with a minimum multiplier of x2.
- Level 2: After collecting four more Fishermen, 10 additional spins are granted, and all Fishermen now carry a minimum multiplier of x4.
- Level 3: Reaching the final upgrade earns 10 more spins, and all Fisherman symbols will have at least a x10 multiplier.
Off The Hook: High-Multiplier Free Spins
For players who land four FS symbols, the Off The Hook bonus mode is triggered, awarding 15 free spins. This round operates similarly to Reel It In but enhances rewards from the beginning.
Starting advantage: Fisherman symbols always come with a minimum x2 multiplier.
- Level 1: Collecting four Fishermen grants 15 more free spins with a minimum x4 multiplier.
- Level 2: The next upgrade adds another 15 spins with a minimum x10 multiplier.
- Level 3: The final level provides 15 additional spins, ensuring all Fisherman symbols have a minimum x15 multiplier.
Plenty of Fish in the Sea
Activating this mode requires five FS symbols, which unlock 10 free spins with a significant twist. Every Marlin symbol in this feature has a minimum value of x5, and at least one Marlin and one Fisherman symbol will land on every spin, increasing the potential for sizable payouts.
Players who prefer direct access to special features can utilize five different Bonus Buy options, including:
- BonusHunt FeatureSpins (3x bet): Increases the likelihood of triggering a bonus game by 5x.
- Guaranteed Marlin & Fisherman (50x bet): Ensures each spin lands at least two Marlin symbols and one Fisherman.
- Reel It In Bonus (65x bet): Instantly activates the Reel It In free spins feature.
- Off The Hook Bonus (200x bet): Grants direct entry to the Off The Hook free spins.
A Fresh Take on the Fishing Slot Genre
While Marlin Masters does not exhibit Hacksaw Gaming’s usual aesthetic extremes—neither overly cartoonish nor horror-inspired—it is designed to appeal to a broad audience. With engaging progressive free spins, escalating multipliers, and diverse collection mechanics, the game offers an exciting addition to the ever-growing fishing slot category.
Players can experience Marlin Masters with a bet range of €0.10 to €100 per spin, making it suitable for both casual and high-stakes players looking to reel in major wins.