Excellent first rod! Most people's first sticks (mine included) come out looking distinctively homebuilt, yours looks like it was wrapped with 3 or 4 rods under your belt. Congrats!

I dislike drilling a trigger hook keeper because I know I will kill my hand with it. I know how I roll up and get all excited and don't think. Chances are I'll end up with a hook point or three buried in my hand if I drilled a trigger keeper, so I'm content with my standard ones above the grip lol.

Did you use a spatula for finish app? I have had "meh" results from a spatula, but very good results using short, stiff bristle brushes.