I used minwax polyurethane although I think a spar type varnish would be better ( more flexible and designed for exterior/harsh conditions, totally dry in 12 hrs but develops hardness over several days). I did not thin it and it wetted the wrap vey thouroghly. It looks good to me but I tend to be a minimalist type guy.

to hold the guides i cut a strip of masking tape 1/8 by 1 inch , wrapped the first 1/2 of the guide , removed the tape. i did put 3 to 5 wraps infront to the single footer.

The reel is inexpensive but i've had a 1495 ( i think that is the right number) for 25 years and it is great. this one is the smallest pleuger and cost `$25.00 at Hook and Hackle. I'll probably turn the drag pauls off entirly. don't think i'll need drag on 10 wide streams.

Thaks for the compliments, I will never BUY another fly or spin rod.

BTW: the 2 wt with a #3 line casts very well in tight spaces,ie>