Give this pickled fish recipe a try:
1. Soak fish in a weak brine of 1 cup of pickling salt to 1 gallon water for one hour. Drain.
2. Soak fish in a heavy brine of 2 ½ cups of salt to 1 gallon of water for 12 hours in the refrigerator. Use only glass, enamel or food-grade plastic container for brining.
3. Rinse the fish in cold water. Cut into serving-size pieces.
4. Combine the following ingredients in a large kettle: ¼ oz bay leaves, 2 T allspice, 2 T mustard seed, 1 T whole cloves, 1 T pepper, 1-2 T hot, ground dried pepper, ½ lb sliced onion, 2 qt distilled vinegar and 5 c water. This makes enough brine for 10 pounds of fish.
5. Bring to a boil; add fish, and simmer for 10 minutes until fish is easily pierced with a fork. Do not overcook.
6. Remove fish from liquid and place in single layer in shallow pan and refrigerate.
7. Pack cold fish in clean glass jars. Add fresh onion slices, lemon and bay leaves if desired.
8. Strain the vinegar solution, bring to a boil, and pour into jars to cover fish. Seal immediately.