The Man Behind the Legend: Frank Mundus and the True Story of 'Jaws'

Frank Mundus, a name that might not ring a bell for many, but he was the real-life inspiration behind the iconic character, Quint, from the famous movie "Jaws. " Born in Brooklyn, Mundus moved to Montauk in the early 1950s and became famous for his unique fishing style. He was not your typical fisherman. Mundus was known for his bold and daring approach to fishing, specifically targeting the feared apex predators of the sea, sharks. Mundus was a charismatic figure, known for his eccentric behavior and attention-grabbing antics. He painted his toenails in different colors, wore an earring, and even went barefoot everywhere. His most iconic prank involved dressing up another man as a monster and placing him in a waterproof casket, which was then "discovered" and opened on the dock. These stunts helped Mundus attract customers for his charter business. His flamboyant personality and fishing prowess caught the attention of Peter Benchley, the author of "Jaws. " Benchley rode on Mundus' boat, the Cricket, and was inspired by the fisherman's stories and experiences. However, when the movie "Jaws" was released, Mundus felt that his image and story were not accurately portrayed. He was not the bitter, revenge-seeking character that Quint was. Mundus was more of a showman, with a flair for the dramatic, but he was not angry or vengeful. Despite the inaccuracies in the movie, Mundus' legacy lives on. He passed away in 2008, but his daughter, Pat, still carries on his spirit. She recalls her father's words of wisdom, "Fear is just not understanding something. And if you want to get over a fear, you have to gain competency in it. " This philosophy seems to have guided Mundus throughout his life and career. The fame of "Jaws" transformed Montauk into a shark fishing hotspot in the 1980s. Sam Gershowitz, a local marina owner, started hosting annual shark tournaments that attracted fishermen from all over. During one of these tournaments, Mundus and his colleague Donnie Braddick made fishing history by catching a massive great white shark. This record still stands today, a testament to Mundus' skill and bravery. Mundus' story is a tale of a man who turned his fears into his strengths. He was not just a fisherman; he was a performer, a showman, and a legend in his own right. His life was a testament to the power of understanding and overcoming fear. Mundus' legacy continues to inspire, reminding us that sometimes, the most extraordinary stories are the ones that are true.