I have worked in the meat and fish departments for about 45 years. I have spoken to a number of people that smoke all types of meat and fish for a living.to fish, they said that freezing the fish first is very inportant because the freezing process bursts the water cells in the flesh of the fish and when you brine the fish it sucks up the brine like a sponge. Then the brine penetrates farther in the flesh. You then get a better brine. All I ever use is brown sugar and coarse salt. You can layer to fillets as high as you wish, The most important part is to keep the fish and brine cold. I always put the product in the fridge overnight. In the morning there will be a lot of liquid in the container that you are using. I then rinse the fish with cold water, I then lay out the fish on a old clean towel and pat dry with paper towels. Then I brush on which ever flavour I wish and I leave the fish at room temperature. I often just use Soy sause and then springel on brown sugar, but you can put on any flour that you wish, any flavor works just fine. Unless the weather is hot-I always leave my little chief smoker in the box, this way the smoker better because it is protected somewhat from the cold and especially the wind. The wind is your worst enemy, the wind keeps the smoker from getting hot. Enjoy. I am more than willing to do a taste test on your finished product. HO HO HO.
PS.- Be sure that the container is large enough so the fluid that comes out of the fish does not overflow and mess up your fridge.