Pre-heat your oven to 400 degres

Line a baking tray with foil (for easy clean up) and spread the oil on the tray

Place the catfish fillets on the tray in a single layer and season both sides of the fillets with old bay

Bake the catfish for 8-10 minutes or until the fillets are cooked through

While the catfish is cooking, dice the onion and bell pepper and saute in 1 tablespoon of oil for 5 minutes or until softened.

Let the catfish and onion mixture cool for 30 minutes

Break the catfish fillets into chunks and combine with sauteed onions and peppers as well as the cracker crumbs, mayonnaise and egg

Use an ice cream scoop to portion the catfish cakes into patties. 3 ounce patties for entree size or 1 ounce balls for appetizer fritters

Chill the catfish cakes in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour so they will hold together

To saute 3 ounce catfish cakes-heat 1/4 inch of oil in a skillet over a medium flame

Saute the catfish cakes in batches 3-4 minutes per side

Drain on paper towels

For 1 ounce catfish fritters-

Use a high sided pot- at least 6 inches high. Heat 2 inches of oil to 350 degrees

Deep fry the 1 ounce catfish balls in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown

Drain on paper towels