I predominately fish for catfish here in the Carolinas on the Santee Cooper Lakes, and the water here is normally warmer than most place you guys fish. I found out some time ago, throw bullheads at seagulls..we keep Arkansas blues and some channels in the winter. Rule #2 is like some guys mentioned earlier, soak in salt water overnight after cleaning all red meat and fat off the filets like you would duck or deer meat to remove the wild taste and blood.
I cut mine in strips about like your little finger also when frying, good stuff. When done properly, you may need to tie up your wife until you are ready to serve so that you can make a pile on the plate...