Prax, most places I've ever been that cook catfish cook it so it tastes really good. Preparation isn't that difficult, IMO, but it is pretty fishy tasting if someone doesn't know what they are doing... believe me on that. First time I cooked any, I learned my lesson.
No matter how catfish is prepared, it does have a stronger flavor than other fish, it seems like to me. I've never had it blackened, but that sounds good. At home I broil it with lemon and herbs, but I love it fried, especially with a little hot sauce in the batter.
Yum!
Crawdads aren't bad either, but there sure isn't much meat in a crawdad.