No big deal, I'm not upset nor do I need immediate gratification.  I didn't know it was done manually (though I guess I could have figured that) so I was wondering if something was wrong.

Here it is.  Once you try it you're unlikely to ever use another:

Knife Lake Pete's Fish Fry

1.5 cups cornmeal (small grain if possible)
1 heaping tablespoon of paprika
1 level tablespoon of black pepper
1 level tablespoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of salt

1.  Mix the above and bring it with you.
2.  Catch fish (walleye or trout, preferably)
3.  Drip dry the fillets so they aren't soaking wet
4.  Roll them in the batter
5.  Fry in butter flavored Crisco over a hot fire

This was the recipe used by a fellow named Pete who lived on Knife Lake for many years.  It is fantastic.