speck wrote:
...One thing to be aware of if you choose an EPDM elastomer is that if you use lubricants it can be damaged by some common oils and greases so I'd suggest trying the lube on some spare orings before using.
Silicone paste is the stuff you want to use. If you use Molykote 111 (which is food safe) on your water filter O-rings or valves, you have a lifetime supply. Otherwise it and other options are readily available and sold as O-ring grease, and they can double as line & leader grease or fly floatant.
However as Whrlpool says, you can use it without the O-ring. I have one rod with a Sizematic ferrule and I don't think it's had an O-ring since the 1990's.