Battered in egg and cornmeal and fried or at least pan-seared is how I typically have had it. In the wild, it can pick up contaminants from its tendency to scavage and eat just about anything so, all things in moderation, but yes, it is generally considered to be healthy...

In Arkansas every one ate catfish at least twice a week, after church and Wednesday night prayer meeting, several times a week for lunch. Everyone has their favourite catfish restaurant. Never got tired of it.

and spicy chutney. Really good.

they tend to be bottom feeders but they are largely farmed these days.

Channel cats are really good and Flat heads not so much. Flsr heads are mushy and dwell in the mud, and taste like they do. But these are the two most frequently caught here in WNC. Lots of others around the country. As far as healthy, all depends on the water quality. Ones that feed through the mud can take in lots of toxic crap that settled down in the substrate.
Farm raised avoid those toxins but the feed they get takes at good flavor of wild. Lots of farms use dog food. Not the best brands either.
I like cat fish, but my favorite fresh water is walleye by far.

I will either grill it with some mesquite chips or broil it. I have been told to avoid any imported catfish and to make sure it is farmed domestically. Not exactly sure where I heard this or why, so take it with a grain of salt.

Personally, I don’t care for catfish, considering their diet. Same with anything in the carp family. I suppose farm-raised fish don’t eat the nasty things that those bottom-feeders encounter in the wild, however.

I prefer Mahi Mahi or Snapper.

Rather mild, and amenable to improvements/adjustments.

Used to saute it regularly. Would also be good baked w herbs, and stews.

Check @ 'cooking and baking.'

Mix in a bit of Tony Cachere's or Old Bay into the coating for an extra treat.

But I refuse to eat catfish. I won’t touch it. That and grits. The shit some people eat.

it really sucks any other way

I had it once in a place famous for their catfish and yuck.

It needs to be fried. In peanut oil. Farm raised from a USA farm is the best. Fresh caught is good if you know where to fish and don't get the big ones.

I have eaten an unbelievable amount of catfish in my life, and if it is cooked right there is no better fish