In making snack sticks i:
Mix meat for about 2 minutes
add carrot fiber and mix for about 2 minutes
add seasonings and mix 2 minutes then,
add water at a rate of 2oz per pound of meat.
I use an electric stuffer and it does require a little lower viscosity meat mix. The times above are just approximate as I look at the mix and feel the mix before moving to next step. This works very well for me. Good luck as I am sure you will receive a lot of info.

WINGMAN01 You have a good process of smoking, just remember that the more water added the longer the smoke time. More water keeps the IT down and can squeeze out moisture and make the outside feel greasy
I would suggest lowering the water. My sticks are 10% fat and are very good being smoked 3 hrs to an IT of 152. We all have various processes, just keep working at it and record your process each time. BTW, make sure you mix carrot powder with meat only before adding water. I made this mistake and the change made a big difference.