As the iconic film “Jaws” celebrates its 50th anniversary this Friday, it’s important to recognize the contributions of Frank Mundus, a legendary fisherman from Montauk, New York, who many believe inspired the character of Captain Quint, portrayed by Robert Shaw. While the film is set in a fictional New England town, residents of Long Island assert that the real story behind the blockbuster is deeply rooted in Mundus’ remarkable life as a shark hunter.
Frank Mundus, born in Brooklyn, was not your typical fisherman. He moved to Montauk Point in the early 1950s, breaking away from the traditional family-friendly fishing image that dominated the area. His daughter, Pat Mundus, proudly recalls how her father branded himself as a “monster fisherman,” a title designed to attract more charter customers. “He knew that it would attract more charter customers,” she explained, underscoring the savvy marketing behind his adventurous persona.
Mundus’ journey to becoming a renowned fisherman was not without challenges. After suffering a severe injury as a child, he developed a unique zest for life that became his trademark. He was known for his outrageous antics and larger-than-life personality, often seen barefoot with a painted toenail in red and blue, a playful nod to nautical themes. His penchant for humor even included staging pranks, like the time he had a man dress as a Frankenstein monster, sealed in a waterproof casket, only to spring out in a dramatic reveal.
In the 1960s, Frank Mundus caught the attention of author Peter Benchley, who would later write “Jaws.” Mundus took Benchley out on his boat, the Cricket, which was humorously named due to Mundus’ resemblance to Jiminy Cricket. However, Pat Mundus notes that her father, despite his intelligence, was unaware of Benchley’s fame. “He just thought it was a guy who was interested in listening to stories about catching fish,” she said.
This lack of recognition for Mundus’ influence on the character of Quint has left a lasting impact on his family. Pat expressed her frustration that her father’s carefully crafted image was not acknowledged, stating, “Some guy just came along and stole it without acknowledging who he was.” Even Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine has lamented that the legacy of Mundus and Montauk was underappreciated in the film.
While the film captured the essence of shark hunting, it misrepresented the character of Quint. “He was never in the Navy, he had no revenge against evil,” Pat clarified. “He had a flair for being outrageous, but he wasn’t angry and pissed off.” When they watched “Jaws” together, Mundus was outspoken about the inaccuracies, often standing up in the theater to point out what was unrealistic.
Interestingly, actor Roy Scheider, who portrayed Chief Brody, reportedly feared encountering Mundus at film anniversary events, worried that the real-life shark hunter might take offense at the film’s portrayal.
Despite the film’s inaccuracies, “Jaws” dramatically transformed Montauk into a major tourist destination, affectionately dubbed “Sharktown USA.” Local businessman Sam Gershowitz began organizing annual shark tournaments that attracted participants from afar, boosting the economy and revitalizing the fishing community. “The first year we had 82 boats, the year after we had 150,” Gershowitz recalled, emphasizing the positive impact on local businesses.
In a historic moment during the 1986 tournament, Mundus and his colleague Donnie Braddick caught a massive great white shark, weighing in at 3,427 pounds and measuring 17 feet long. This catch became a legendary story among fishing enthusiasts. “A lot of people know about it, and they still talk about it,” Braddick shared, reminiscing about the excitement surrounding the event.
While the legend of Frank Mundus endures, his daughter Pat is ready to carve her own path. “Fear is just not understanding something,” she recalls her father saying. “If you want to get over a fear, you have to gain competency in it.” This philosophy reflects her desire to embrace her individuality while honoring her father’s extraordinary legacy.
As “Jaws” continues to captivate audiences, it’s essential to remember the real-life inspiration behind the film. Frank Mundus, the “monster fisherman” from Montauk, not only changed the way we perceive shark fishing but also left an indelible mark on the culture of coastal fishing communities.
