CPSC, Zebco Announce Recall of Children’s Fishing Poles
Kids’ product recall 05-155. Announced by CPSC on Apr 13, 2005.
- CPSC: stop using it
Watch and the shortlist are kept with a free account, on every device. Your watch list. CPSC’s own notice is on cpsc.gov.
The short answer
Announced by CPSC on Apr 13, 2005. Copied from CPSC on Oct 19, 2026.
- Stop using it what CPSC tells owners to do now (needs attention)
- About 1.5 million fishing poles units, as CPSC gives them
- Reported injuries, in the notice (needs attention)
Every line below is in CPSC’s own words, with its source beside it.
What’s wrong with it?
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.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What should you do?
Consumers should stop using the recalled fishing poles and contact Zebco for information on receiving a free replacement fishing pole.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
- How to reach the firm: 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
Which ones are recalled?
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.
About 1.5 million fishing poles units, as CPSC gives them.
Children’s Fishing Poles.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
CPSC’s photos
CPSC shows 1 photo on its notice. Hearth Record doesn’t copy them; each opens on cpsc.gov.
Who made and sold it?
- Distributed by W.C. Bradley/Zebco Holdings Inc. doing business as Zebco, Tulsa, Okla.
- Discount department, sporting good and toy stores nationwide, from August 2001 through March 2005, for between $9 and $13.
- Made in China, as the notice gives it.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
Was anyone hurt?
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.
CPSC, Recalls API. Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily.
What the record doesn’t say
- The notice lists no UPCs, so check the model, the description and the photos.
- The notice lists no model numbers in a field of their own; its description may give them.
- How many have been returned or fixed isn’t in the notice.
Hearth Record wrote these lines.
Sources
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Recalls API.
Checked Oct 19, 2026. Updated daily. Public domain (U.S. Government work). CPSC asks to be credited, and that no endorsement be implied.
Recalls of kids’ and home products are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC does not endorse Hearth Record. Copied on Oct 19, 2026.