I don't believe there is such a thing as a "no-brainer" technique in steelhead fishing. Some would argue that pulling plugs is a "no-brainer". Some would say that spoon and spinner fishing is a "no-brainer". All these techniques take a certain skill level to consistently be successful, as does a float and jig. Anybody can catch fish occasionally using any technique,taking it to the next level is the trick. Anyone that would call any technique a "no-brainer" either hasn't done it or has done it unsuccessfully!