CPSC, Zebco Announce Recall of Children’s Fishing Poles

Name of Product: Children’s Fishing Poles

Units: About 1.5 million fishing poles

Distributor: W.C. Bradley/Zebco Holdings Inc. doing business as Zebco, of Tulsa, Okla.

Hazard: 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.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been no reports of injuries or illness associated with these poles. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent any possibility of injury.

Description: 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. Sold at: Discount department, sporting good and toy stores nationwide from August 2001 through March 2005 for between $9 and $13.

Sold at: Discount department, sporting good and toy stores nationwide from August 2001 through March 2005 for between $9 and $13.

Manufactured in: China

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

Consumer Contact: For more information, call Zebco at (800) 444-5581 Ext. 6217 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.zebco.com/recall