LDR wrote:
Lefty Kreh recommends it as a shock absorber between leader and flyline.
Does anyone else? Recommend it, I mean.

About 25 or so years ago, the gum shock absorber was somewhat popular on
the South Platte (small flies, light tippet, big fish). That was when
tippet was far less strong than it is today. Don't see anyone using them
anymore and don't think they're needed.

Willi