etp714

anyone have any suggestions?

I am about to smoke my first boston butt.I have a smoker with a side firebox and plan on using kingsford mesquite charcoal for my heat source with hickory chunks for the smoke source. What i need are some pointers on: Do i have to brine? How many briquets of charcoal should i use to start the initial fire? Do i have to use a water pan? Any help would be greatly appreciated Thanks Eric Prater