CPSC, Zebco Announce Recall of Children's Fishing Poles

The recalled fishing poles are brightly colored and feature pictures of the following cartoon characters on the reels: from Nickelodeon's SpongeBob Squarepants® are SpongeBob, Patrick Star and Sandy Cheeks; Nick Jr.'s Dora the Explorer®; Disney's Tigger; and the cast of Nickelodeon's Rocket Power®. "ZEBCO®" and "Floating Catch 'Em Kit™" are written on the handles of these poles, with the exception of the Rocket Power poles. The Rocket Power poles have a two-piece rod, were sold with sunglasses and "Rocket Power" is written on the rod. Newer fishing poles with a date code on the rod (near the handle) are not included in the recall.. Recalled by W.C. Bradley/Zebco Holdings Inc. doing business as Zebco, of Tulsa, Okla.. Units affected: About 1.5 million fishing poles.

The paint on the rods of these fishing poles contains lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

Consumers should stop using the recalled fishing poles and contact Zebco for information on receiving a free replacement fishing pole.

This recall was issued by the CPSC on April 13, 2005. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 05155.