Preheat oven to 400˚F.

Pat the fish filets dry with a paper towel and cut into 1 inch strips. Season with salt and pepper.

In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper. In a second dish, beat the egg and 1 tablespoon water. In a third, add the panko bread crumbs.

Dip a fish strip in the flour and shake off the excess. Dip in the egg mixture and then in the panko pressing down to help the breadcrumbs stick to the fish.

Arrange the fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Repeat with the remaining fish.

Coat the fish sticks with cooking spray and transfer to the oven.

Bake the fish sticks for 18-20 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.

Remove from the oven and serve hot with tartar sauce, if desired.