So one of my winter projects this year is making a wooden boat hook. Got a nice piece of ash and brass hook from Hamilton Marine. Put it together. But now, what type of finish? Boat hook will live outside strapped to mast, so ability to stand-up to weather is important. It will also be used quite a bit, so I'm also a bit concerned about not making it too slick if I go with a glossy type finish
Current options are:

1. Varnish -
a. LeTonkinois - seems to be recommended by Practical Sailor and some on this board
b. minwax helmsman spar varnish - apparently holds up well in some tests and is cheap!

2. wood finish - I've got some Cetol Light left over from another project - could do it with or without gloss finish coats

3. Just paint the damn thing!!

thoughts? Other suggestions?

thanks

Van