bc,
Fillet the big guys and cut into thin strips about 1/4 - 1-2 inch thick. I do not use the thin strip of meat around the belly, perhaps this is superstition, but somehow it tastes "more fishy" to me...
I always use corn meal based fish fry mix for catfish and peanut oil at about 350 to 375 degrees. When they float, they are just about done.
Gator