Monster Bass Fishing, as its name suggests, is not a game where you catch monsters but rather various types of fish including bass, northern pike, catfish, and more. The "monster" aspect comes from receiving bonus points for catching fish that are unusually large, which can be considered as the "monsters". The game has two main modes: Challenge and Free Fish. In Challenge mode, you participate in a tournament with specific locations and time limits, while in Free Fish mode, you have the freedom to fish anywhere on the map at your convenience.
The gameplay is straightforward, requiring you to use the right lure for the type of fish you're targeting and apply enough pressure on the line to keep it hooked. As with any fishing game, timing and strategy play a crucial role in catching fish. The game's GUI provides a simple yet effective fish finder that helps you locate the fish, but its accuracy can be questionable at times.