FinTek Tadpole Fishing Kits

CONTACT: February 7, 1990 (301) 504-7908 Release # 90-035 Fishing Kit Warning WASHINGTON, DC--FinTek, Inc., Spirit Lake, Iowa in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the New York Attorney General's Office is issuing a warning urging parents not to give their "Tadpole Fishing Kit," Model K401, to children under the age of three because of a potential choking hazard presented by the casting plug contained in the kit. The Tadpole Fishing Kit includes a three foot DuraFlex Spincast Rod with ceramic guides and a black handle, a reel filled with eight-lb. test line, and a black rubber casting plug. Labeling near the base of the silver rod reads "FinTek Tadpole" and "ST330." The Tadpole Fishing Kit was labeled "Baby Angler Ages 1 -5" and distributed nationwide between December 1988 and May 1989. These fishing kits sold for about $12.00 each. Although the firm distributed approximately 9,800 Tadpole Fishing Kits, mainly to sporting goods stores, they have voluntarily recalled the product from retailers. The firm has redesigned the packaging to remove the age labeling. Consumers who have already purchased this item should immediately take the toy away from children under the age of three. The New York Attorney General's Office notified CPSC of the small parts violation with this fishing kit which was age labeled for one to five years. Neither CPSC nor FinTek, Inc. is aware of any injuries associated with these kits. This warning is issued to notify the public of the potential choking hazard if the "Tadpole Fishing Kit" is used by children under the age of three. Consumers who have any questions about this warning may contact FinTek, Inc. at 1-800- 237-5537