Prepare the Catfish:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Clean the Fish: If your catfish isn’t already cleaned, be sure to remove the scales, guts, and gills. Rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Season the Fish: Drizzle olive oil (or melted butter) over the catfish, rubbing it evenly over the skin. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and minced garlic. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Bake the Catfish:

4. Place in the Oven: Place the seasoned catfish on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Check for Doneness: If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature of the fish should reach 145°F (63°C). The fish should be tender and the skin should be crispy.

Serve and Garnish:

6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the catfish from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and additional fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired. Serve the fish whole or carefully fillet it at the table.