CPSC, Zebco Announce Recall of Children's Fishing Poles
Source: CPSC Recall #05155
Recall Date
2005-04-13
Manufacturer
W.C. Bradley/Zebco Holdings Inc. doing business as Zebco, of Tulsa, Okla.
Units Affected
About 1.5 million fishing poles
Products Involved
Children's Fishing Poles
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.
Remedy
Consumers should stop using the recalled fishing poles and contact Zebco for information on receiving a free replacement fishing pole.
Reported 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.
Sold At
Discount department, sporting good and toy stores nationwide, from August 2001 through March 2005, for between $9 and $13.
Manufactured In
China
Full Recall 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.
Data source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) via SaferProducts.gov.
For the most current recall information, check directly with CPSC or the manufacturer.
Last verified: 2026-03-28