The fact that you don't have any 'fish eyes' or dry spots, indicates that the omission of the 'wipe down' is not the issue. I live in a humid climate and don't have any issues. I think that you put too much on. As the surface skinned over, the sub-surface epoxy had room to move, exasperated by the time between flips.

A 5rpm drying wheel is flipping your bait every six seconds, so the sub surface epoxy just does not have time to run and cause the ripples. Make the effort and build a wheel, you will not regret it, I promise.

Dave