There was one particular trip last year that put into sharp relief the need for better communication on the tuna grounds. The fish and bait had shifted from where they’d been staged for a week, and a big fleet was taking advantage of a pristine weather window to get back on the fish. Under those circumstances, captains tend to be very careful about what information they share over VHF, not wanting to attract a big, bite-killing crowd to their numbers.
We had two buddy boats out there, sharing in the hunt, and had agreed to communicate via radio if we found the fish, using a simple cipher to disguise the numbers if we had the chance to share them. Through radio issues, and our buddy boats ranging too far apart, we missed the (alleged) messages calling us to a hot bite until it was already over. When we compared notes back at the dock, one thing was clear–we needed an inReach.
The Garmin inReach was designed to allowed satellite communication while outside of cell phone range. The primary purpose is for safety, but offshore captains quickly jumped on it as a means of covertly communicating intel while tuna fishing. It’s become a must-have piece of equipment. Now, the inReach feature is available on Garmin’s new feature-heavy nautical smartwatch, the quatix 8 Pro. Here’s the full press release from Garmin:
Garmin announced quatix 8 Pro, the ultimate nautical smartwatch equipped with inReach® technology for two-way satellite and cellular connectivity1 – giving mariners access to text messaging, voice calling, SOS capabilities and more without a cell phone connection. Packed with essential marine features to control the vessel, the watch’s enhanced boat mode brings boating apps to the forefront when mariners are out on the water, then hides those features while they’re ashore. Available in a 47mm case, quatix 8 Pro includes a bright 1.4” AMOLED display, a durable titanium bezel, scratch resistant sapphire lens and superior battery life, making it the ultimate companion on and off the water.
“From fishing to fitness, wakesurfing to weight lifting, quatix 8 Pro helps keep mariners connected through every part of their day, even when bringing a smartphone along isn’t practical or possible. With satellite and LTE connectivity on the wrist, mariners can feel more at ease knowing they can stay in touch with family and friends or get help if needed. And with the upgraded boat mode, it’s easier for them to access the features they need, when they need them.”
–Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing
Stay connected without a phone
With built-in inReach technology1, quatix 8 Pro helps mariners stay in touch and have greater peace of mind when their voyages take them off the grid, even up to 50 miles offshore. Using a satellite connection, they can send messages and location check-ins, while staying on top of changing weather forecasts – no phone connection required. Cellular connectivity gives mariners access to voice calling, voice messaging and LiveTrack location sharing. And with SOS capabilities, they can trigger an SOS message to get help from the 24/7-staffed Garmin Response℠ coordination center, with experience coordinating more than 1,200 inReach incidents on the water.
Quickly take command
The enhanced boat mode feature makes it easier than ever for mariners to control the helm while on the water and navigate to the activities they want while on land. When activated, boat mode brings vital vessel-connected apps to the forefront, providing quick access to autopilot, trolling motor and other boating data – right from the watch face. When boat mode is deactivated and it’s time to head to the office, the gym or anywhere in between, users can get the apps and everyday connected features they want back in focus in their menus and watch face.
Packed with premium features
Designed for life on and off the water, quatix 8 Pro boasts a suite of dedicated marine features, including chartplotter voice commands2 and remote control over entertainment and lighting systems, Force® trolling motors and more, along with 24/7 health and wellness monitoring, more than 100 activities like wakesurfing and water skiing, navigation features, Garmin Pay™ and much more.
Available to purchase on www.garmin.com starting January 16, 2026, quatix 8 Pro has a suggested retail price of $1,299.99 and gets up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode. To learn more, visit garmin.com.