6. Has long-term, established connections with boaters. Boaters like personal relationships. They like buying boats from people they know, trust, and respect. The more boaters your broker knows, larger your pool of potential buyers. The best brokers have a lifetime of industry contacts, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Look for a broker who has established contacts in boating industry. These contacts may come from a wide range of places: teaching classes, owning and operating a sailing school, being active in boating-related charitable activities, crewing for racing teams, being active in Olympic-related boating events, etc.

7. Has hands-on boating experience. A broker who has spent time aboard sailboats and yachts can more easily point out to potential buyers how benefits of your boat match their desires. They can also give you quick and easy pointers for minor “fix-ups” on your boat that will create enormous additional value for a buyer.

8. Has a history of going “above and beyond.” Being a good broker takes more than sharp sales skills. Good brokers have a history of going that extra mile for their customers. But don’t just take a broker’s word for their commitment to you. Select a broker who has gone “above and beyond” in their personal life and you’re guaranteed to find a broker who will do same for you.

9. Is driven to succeed and to support success of others. A competitive edge is important in a boat broker. It’s equally important that your broker has a desire to create a win-win situation so both seller and buyer come away from transaction feeling valued and satisfied. Look for evidence that your boat broker is both competitive and a team player, such as taking part in racing events, as both crew and support personnel.

10. Is willing to point out strengths of your boat and offers possible solutions to any problem areas. The best brokers won’t sugar coat condition of your boat, just to get your listing. They’ll be first to point out areas that might be “stoppers” for a potential buyer. They will also work with you to design a strategy that includes possible solutions you’re comfortable with so these “stoppers” don’t become deal breakers. This way, your broker can help you sell your boat more quickly, in a manner that makes financial sense to you.

While I was getting this fish I noticed I had a bite on my other pole. Since I had my hands full dueling mthis fish that pole had to wait. I finally got over to it and there was a fish on it. This one was much smaller from pressure of it's pull. It turned out to be another channel cat but he swallowed bait. I cut line, weighed and measure him as quickly as I could. I then reurned him to river. Hopefully he is old enough to survive with hook in mouth.

The big surprise is all three of these fish were cuaght with an unusual bait. I has scraps of fired chicken skins I had left over from dinner night before. This was from Lee's regular fried chicken, however any fast food brand should do job for you.

I packed up my gear and headed home around 10:30. I had a very good morning with weather and feeling reward of hooking such nice size fish, It was way to start my day. Tight lines to all. NLCATFISH

nlcatfish@fuse.net webmaster for Cincinnati Catfishing www.cincinnaticatfishing.com AND SHOP WITHOUT DROPPING www.cincinnaticatfishing.com/Shop1.html Over700Bargins4YOU www.bargins4tightbudgets.com