The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·05199·Announced 2005-06-17

Shakespeare Recalls Children's Fishing Kits Due to Lead Paint

Shakespeare is recalling about 438,000 children's fishing kits because the paint on the rods contains lead, which is toxic if ingested by young children.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (lead paint) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the criteria for a High severity score.

Plain-English summary

Shakespeare Fishing Tackle Division is recalling approximately 438,000 children's fishing kits sold nationwide. The recall involves specific kits featuring characters such as TAZ, Tweety, Mucha Lucha, and Spider-Man, as well as Fishing Heroes, Kids Kits, and Shark and Dolphin Kits. These kits feature brightly colored red and yellow fishing rods with "Shakespeare" written on the reels. Kits with purple, blue, and pink rods, as well as certain translucent or metallic red rods, are not included in this recall.

The hazard is that the paint on the rods contains lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. The firm has not received any reports of complaints related to this product. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent any possibility of injury or illness.

The recalled fishing kits were sold at discount department, sporting good, and toy stores nationwide from August 2001 through June 2005 for between $9 and $13. Consumers should stop using the recalled fishing poles and contact Shakespeare Fishing Tackle for information on receiving a free replacement fishing kit. For more information, call Shakespeare Fishing Tackle toll-free at (866) 466-0559 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

The recalled product

Product
Children's Fishing Kits
Category
Consumer Product — Toys & Games
Hazard
Affected units
438,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · lead exposure

See all →