Steve, glad to hear you're having fun, especially fishing your banty rod on the Columbia Basin Lakes. I've always found it challenging to hook fish when using a short rod on lakes, and usually stick with 8-9' rods for that type of fishing.
I think I told you that I made another tip section for my 12' spey rod, based on suggestions from Canadian rod maker Bob Clay. Bob also mentioned using Minwax wipe-on poly as a finish, so I tried it. It went on easily and appears to add a bit more protection than the oil finishes. I need to get out & fish the rod to see how it holds up!
Tom