This fishing float tube from Classic Accessories is a complete value-for-money product. I have been using this for quite some time now, and I am impressed.
I love its extra roomy design, plenty of storage, high seat, and excellent quality. Best of all, it’s very affordable. This is the cheapest of all three float tubes I have reviewed so far(from CA).
But the quality hasn’t dropped significantly even though a massive price cut can be seen. The biggest change I see is in the seat and pockets.
The seating area is roomier, while pockets offer more storage space. You get plenty of pockets for storing your gears, and if that’s less, then D-rings are for the rescue.
Multiple rod holders, stripping mesh apron, and mesh pockets also offer storage, so one thing is sure – you don’t have to worry about storage anymore.
Weighing at 11 lbs, it can float up to 300 lbs, which is impressive. This float is full of surprises, so let’s talk about what’s in here. Apart from its features, I will also talk about what’s missing here.
This will help you understand whether this float is good for you or not. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
- Bighorn assembled size: 54"L x 50"W x 27"H, Weight: 11lbs. 300 pound capacity
- Hydrodynamic hull shape improves tracking and steering
- Extra large and comfortable backrest
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Made from mesh, it has a huge seat. Being big makes it perfect for big guys while other people will have room to relax, which is always lovely. The seat is placed higher, so you sit primarily out of the water. However, it’s not as high as Cumberland for sure, so if a high seat is your preference, Cumberland is for you.
The float has plenty of pockets that offers more than enough storage. What’s surprising is that you get different pockets for different gears. Like, you have reel pockets, gear pockets, small mesh pockets, and flat zip pockets(for storing fish). All the pockets you see on the bladder are for small to medium items.
It offers a giant storage bag at the back that a simple body twist can access for bigger items. I personally prefer this huge zippered bag over the big mesh pocket we have on others.
It’s more secure and accessible than on other float tubes. One con is that it takes more effort to store and retrieve items, but that’s all right for what you are getting.
For other gears, you have plenty of D-rings and small mesh pockets. I really like the storage here, it’s much better than Togiak, but I miss Cumberland’s cup holders and rod holders.
It has a stripping mesh apron and a fish ruler, which is like a flimsy front table. You can keep the fish and quickly measure how long they are. So, you get more than enough storage. I don’t understand why it’s red in the picture as the real color is orange, which is vibrant enough to be easily noticed.
Enough of what I like, now let’s talk about what I don’t.
Apart from what I have already mentioned, I want you to know a couple of things before getting the Bighorn fishing float tube. The inflation value on this thing is small, and without an electric pump, it takes forever to inflate it. Inflating with a manual pump can be laborious and frustrating.
The other problem arises while deflating. Like inflating, it takes a long to deflate, which is frustrating again. The solution here is to get a reverse pump. If your automatic pump supports deflation, consider yourself lucky OR get one to help you deflate.
Another problem is transportation. With other CA float tubes like Togiak and Cumberland, you get shoulder backpack straps for easy carrying and transport. But here, you get side handles to drag your float in the water.
I am not a big fan of dragging, and it can ruin the underneath material if the surface is rough. So, I personally don’t like it. Now, let’s talk about the worst thing about this float. The design of this tube makes you slip off the seat often.
The seat is set too far back, and if the tube is inflated correctly, it pushes your body forward and doesn’t leave enough room to sit. So, you consistently have to struggle to get on this thing. Even if you do, it’s not as mobile as other float tubes.
It might be a bit comfy if you don’t inflate it entirely, but doing that doesn’t make any sense. If the seating area moves like 6 inches ahead, sitting must have been comfortable, but it’s not.
- Bighorn assembled size: 54"L x 50"W x 27"H, Weight: 11lbs. 300 pound capacity
- Hydrodynamic hull shape improves tracking and steering
- Extra large and comfortable backrest
We earn a small commission from your purchase at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the site running. Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API/ More Info
Accessories For This Float Tube –
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How to setup Bighorn Float Tube?
This video is all you need to set up this fantastic float tube.
Follow each step carefully to ensure you are doing everything right.
So, what’s my take?
You get a high-quality float tube that provides excellent performance even at this price. However, many sacrifices have been made that made it difficult to use to do that.
You can buy additional backpack straps and inflation and deflation pumps, but they won’t sit as freely as other tubes. Instead of spending all this on additional equipment, I will recommend going for Cumberland float.
It’s fantastic and very comfortable. But first, check my review about Cumberland float to determine whether it’s good for you or not. I am sure you will be impressed; give it a try.
You can check the Teton review if you want a cheap float tube for occasional use. But if you like this one, you can go ahead. But remember, I told you about the seating problem.
What do I like?
So, what are the things I like about this float tube? Well, let’s talk about them.
1. Plenty of storage options –
This float tube offers more than enough storage options. It has plenty of pockets, D-rings, a massive pocket bag, and a stripping apron, all for storing your things. Believe me; you will never worry about storage anymore.
All your reels, baits, etc., have their dedicated pocket. From small to big items, it can store everything. You can put your PFD in the big pocket while the creel bags go with the D-rings.
What else will a fishing enthusiast like you ever wish for?
2. Very Roomy –
The best thing here is the very roomy seat that I haven’t seen in any other float tubes. It’s like a sofa where you can easily lay your back, relax, and fish. Other tubes have an adjustable backrest, but this is a complete seat setup.
Even big people will find it highly comfortable while others will have some room left to relax. I was surprised and happy with the room I was getting here. But sadly, even with so much room, you can’t move freely due to the seating problem I mentioned earlier.
3. High visibility color –
Even though it looks like dark red in the picture, it’s high visibility Orange color in the person. This was a great surprise as you can easily notice other boaters, fishers, and general people from far away.
It can prevent water accidents, which is excellent. Other tubes have an orange flap at the rear for visibility, but this whole tube is of that color. So, you’ll be the star of the lake.
4. Lightweight –
This thing weighs 11 lbs, making it the lightest float compared to Togiak or Cumberland. Even with so little weight, it has a weight capacity of 300 lbs. So, so lifting or moving isn’t a big problem.
Since it’s light, you don’t get the backpack straps for carrying; instead, it has side handles to drag it in the water.
5. Year of Warranty –
The best thing about Classic Accessories is that they offer a year of warranty on all their float tubes, and they stand behind their products. If it didn’t work the way you expected, contact them, and they will help.
CA will either send the parts or will replace the whole tube without any questions. I was surprised at how well they have maintained their reputation in the market and how excellent their service really is.
If you want reliability, then this tube is a great option.
What don’t I like?
I made it clear in my review that there are three things I don’t like about this float tube, but let me tell you again.
1. Easily Slip off the seat –
The design of this tube makes you slip off the seat often. The seat is set too far back, and if the tube is inflated correctly, it pushes your body forward and doesn’t leave enough room to sit.
This leads to slippage often, which is very frustrating. Like, you have to struggle just to sit right; think of how you’ll fish.
2. Inflating/deflating is hard –
The inflation valve is tiny, making the inflation/deflation process longer and more frustrating. If you don’t have an automatic pump, it takes forever to inflate, which means more effort and frustration.
Even if you inflate it somehow, the next problem is deflating. If you aren’t a zen master and don’t have more than the required patience, reducing is another pain in the neck.
It takes a long time to deflate it, which isn’t something anyone likes. Without a reverse pump, it’s too hard to inflate it. So, this is undoubtedly a big problem.
3. No Backpack straps or rod holder –
Since it’s light, it doesn’t come with shoulder backpack straps, but side handles. This doesn’t make sense to me as side handles are suitable for dragging, not lifting. And lifting from both handles isn’t as convenient.
Plus, if you want to move it more than 25 feet, having backpack straps is handy, but it doesn’t have them. The second problem is that it doesn’t have any rod holders.
Holding the net and rod isn’t an option without a rod holder. You may say that D-rings will do that, but they aren’t convenient by any means. I wish this comes with both things, but CA can’t offer more than this at this price.
They sacrificed some of the things for quality, and the straps and rod holders are among those.
Accessories For Bighorn Fishing Float Tube –
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People Review About Bighorn Float Tube –
“Extremely pleased with this float tube well worth the money I’m a big guy and I have lots of room and feel safe in it other tubes the little net table is useless because my legs don’t sit low but you sit just right in this one the only thing I can say I would like to see them add to the tube is a strap from the seat to the front cross bar.”
— Bighorn User
— Bighorn User
Other Classic Accessories Fishing Float Tubes in the Market –
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FAQ –
How long does it take to inflate with the foot pump?
It takes some time as the inflation valve is small here, so it depends on how fast you are pumping. However, with an electric pump, it inflates within a few minutes.
How do you steer on this one? Does it come with paddles?
No, it does not come with paddles. You have to wear fins and use them to move in the water to steer. It’s fairly easy once you understand how it’s done.
Does it come with backpack straps?
Sadly, NO! But there are side handles for the purpose. It works, but they aren’t as handy as the backpack straps on other tubes.
Are there any rod holders in here?
It doesn’t come with any rod holders but has plenty of pockets and D-rings to store all your fishing gears and other items.
Conclusion –
In this article, I talked about the Bighorn Fishing Float tube. It’s a fantastic tube from Classic Accessories that offers plenty of room and storage space for all your gears.
I have used it for long enough that I thought of giving a review. I hope you liked it, and if you did, share it with your fishing enthusiast friends to let them know about this amazing tube.