Step 1

Place the fish on a cutting board and pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 2

In a medium shallow pan, combine 1 cup flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, mustard, smoked paprika and Original Seasoning, or salt and pepper.

Step 3

In small, shallow pan, whisk together the remaining 4 tablespoons of flour and soda. Adjust the ingredients until you achieve a consistency thinner than pancake batter.

Step 4

Dip the fish in the wet mixture, then dredge through the flour mixture to coat generously. Lightly shake any excess coating off and place on a wire rack. For a thicker crust, dip the fish back in the wet mixture and dredge through flour again. Let the fish rest on the wire rack for 5 minutes before frying.

Step 5

Meanwhile, add about 3 inches of oil to a saucepan, Dutch oven or deep fryer and heat to 350 degrees F.

Step 6

Place a few fish in the oil at a time. Cook for about 4 minutes, flipping fish occasionally, or until they are a rich golden brown. Place on a wire rack. Let cool slightly and serve with tartar sauce.

Step 7

In a small bowl whisk together all the ingredients. Adjust to taste. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until ready to serve.