Frank Mundus, Legendary Shark Fisherman, Dies at 82

Frank Mundus, the shark fisherman believed to be the model for the character of Captain Quint in the book/movie "Jaws," died last week. He was 82.

Frank Mundus believed that Peter Benchley, the author of 1974’s "Jaws," used him as the model for the amiable and outgoing shark fisherman known as Captain Quint. Specifically, Mundus recalls a 1964 catch where he harpooned a 4,500 pound great white shark as Benchley’s primary inspiration. Benchley says that the Captain Quint character is not based specifically on Mundus but is a composite of a number of living people.

Mundus was not only a hunter of sharks but also sought to preserve the giant beasts. He was a sport fisherman who supported a hook that allowed fishermen to catch sharks and release them unharmed more easily than traditional hooking methods. 

Frank Mundus died after a series of heart attacks last week seriously shook the 82 year-old who had a history of heart disease. He is known for famously reviewing Jaws as the "funniest and stupidest movie" he had ever seen.

Source: Associated Press