Zebco Recall of Children's Fishing Poles

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Originally issued April 13, 2005
Revised March 6, 2006

Release #05-155

Firm's Telephone Number: (800) 588-9030
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Note: Telephone Number Change

CPSC, Zebco Announce Recall of Children's Fishing Poles

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

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) 588-9030 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.zebco.com/recall