Are you getting the farm raised catfish or something different. I remember visiting relatives when I was young that had catfish with lots more flavor then what I can find here in NJ. They were river catfish(miss. river in IA), quite large as I remember but real good eats. I think that was my first real taste of smoked food other then standard bacon, ham etc. I have been a real fan ever since but the catfish we get just seem to be bland.