I have eaten catfish from numerous places and found the common denominator in getting a good meal from them is how you handle them and what age fish you keep.  I say age and not size because in some systems the cats have great forage bases and gain size very quickly (Erie is that way)...I prefer channels under 24", blues and flats under 30", and with a head appearing smaller than their shoulders (another sign of age vs growth).  With Blues or Flatheads it isn't as big an issue but it definitely is on channels and any bullhead you may be wanting to keep. 
If you are keeping them for food then cut the gills and allow them to bleed out quickly, then put them in a cooler on ice until you can filet them. I have also done the tub of water for a couple of days to 'purge' them but really didn't notice a great change in the meat quality over the bleeding alone. 
Catfish can be an excellent meal, but can also be ruined pretty quickly...though I have found that to be the case with many fish.  I had a much adored older relative who loved catfish and EM and I would always make it a point to catch a catfish on a regular basis so I could cook it up for Clyde...he is gone now but many good memories of enjoying a catfish meal with him telling 'remember when' stories! 

Let me just say this about that Crappie in the above picture;  THAT'S A BIG FISH...... 10-4?
 
 
 
 
And now from the journals of    BTDT's   "BELIEVE IT, OR NOT"
 
 
 
 
 Two of these fellas.......
 

 
 
 
 
 
                       This guy weighed in at 5 lbs. and is most likely the biggest cat in my record book.
 

 
 
 
   This fine looking specimen gave me quite a hassle coming in and when it rolled just under the surface...


 
 
 
 
I thought I had another one of these..........


 
 
 
Disclaimer:  No fish were injured or harmed in any way during the making of this amazing story.
 
 
Special note;  Mopars keep this a secrete, If you hurry, you may find this fish swimming around the Jamestown docks.   Shhhhh!