WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling about 1.5 million children's fishing poles because the agency says paint on the poles contains lead.

Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

The CPSC says there have been no reports of illnesses associated with the poles.

The recalled poles feature pictures of cartoon characters on the reels, including SpongeBob SquarePants and Tigger.

The fishing poles were sold at discount department, sporting goods and toy stores nationwide from August 2001 through March 2005 for between $9 and $13.

They were distributed by W.C. Bradley/Zebco Holdings, Inc., of Tulsa, Okla.

Consumers should contact Zebco for information on receiving a free replacement fishing pole.

Consumers can call Zebco at (800) 444-5581 or visit the company's Web site for more recall information.