In the annals of Delaware fishing history, certain catches stand out as watershed moments that remind anglers of the extraordinary possibilities lurking in our local waters. Among these, Andrew Klein’s remarkable 2016 catch at Milton’s Wagamons Pond remains one of the most talked-about fishing achievements in recent memory.
On what seemed like an ordinary February morning eight years ago, Klein landed what many consider the catch of a lifetime: a largemouth bass weighing an impressive 11 pounds, 1.6 ounces. The catch not only secured its place in local fishing lore but also transformed Wagamons Pond from a quiet local fishing spot into a destination for serious anglers.
“It was the kind of fish you hear about but rarely see,” recalls Tom Henderson, who was working at the local bait shop when Klein brought in his catch for verification. “When Andrew walked in that morning, you could tell by the look on his face that something special had happened.”
Klein, who had been fishing Wagamons Pond for years before his historic catch, chose to fish that February morning despite conditions that would have kept most anglers home. “Looking back, it’s almost funny how many people thought I was crazy for going out in February,” Klein said in a recent interview. “But sometimes the biggest fish bite when others aren’t even on the water.”
The impact of Klein’s catch on the local fishing community was immediate and lasting. Wagamons Pond, a modest 41-acre impoundment managed by the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife, saw a significant increase in fishing activity following news of the catch. Local tackle shops reported surges in business as anglers from across the Mid-Atlantic region traveled to Milton hoping to replicate Klein’s success.
“We still get people coming into the shop asking about that bass,” says Mary Roberts, owner of Milton Fishing Supplies. “Eight years later, and they’re still talking about it. Some folks even bring in the old newspaper clippings.”
The environmental conditions that produced such a trophy fish haven’t gone unnoticed by fisheries biologists. Dr. James Wilson, who has studied Wagamons Pond’s ecosystem for over a decade, points to several factors that make the pond capable of producing such impressive specimens.
“The combination of abundant forage fish, good water quality, and proper management practices creates an environment where bass can reach their full potential,” Dr. Wilson explains. “Klein’s catch wasn’t just luck—it was the result of a healthy ecosystem doing exactly what it should.”
The Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife has since used Wagamons Pond as a model for other water body management projects. The success story has influenced fishing regulations and conservation efforts throughout the state, helping to ensure that future generations of anglers will have their own chances at landing a trophy bass.
For younger anglers, Klein’s catch remains an inspiration. Local fishing clubs regularly reference the story during youth fishing programs, using it to illustrate the importance of patience, persistence, and proper fishing techniques.
“We tell the kids that every cast has potential,” says Sarah Martinez, who runs a youth fishing program in Milton. “Klein’s bass proves that you don’t need to travel to exotic locations to find trophy fish. Sometimes they’re right here in your backyard.”
Today, Wagamons Pond continues to draw anglers from across the region. While no one has yet matched Klein’s legendary catch, the pond regularly produces impressive bass, keeping hope alive for those dreaming of their own record-breaking fish.
As Delaware’s fishing community looks back on this memorable catch, it serves as a reminder of the exceptional fishing opportunities available in the First State’s waters. Klein’s bass may have been caught eight years ago, but its impact on local fishing culture continues to ripple through the community, inspiring new generations of anglers to keep casting, keep believing, and keep chasing their own fishing dreams.
For those interested in trying their luck at Wagamons Pond, the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife reminds anglers that a valid fishing license is required, and all state fishing regulations must be observed. The pond remains open year-round, proving that in Delaware fishing, any day could be the day you make history.