Sometimes things just work out and sometimes they really don’t.
Steven Spielberg’s iconic film “Jaws” is set in a fictional New England town, yet Long Islanders assert that many of its inspirations stem from local stories that emerged much later.
Frank Mandos, a fisherman and “Monster Hunter,” is a notable figure from Montauk—he’s considered the basis for Robert Shaw’s character, Quint. Frank recently celebrated his 50th birthday, according to his family and friends.
“Anyone who knows fishing knows it’s him they’re talking about,” said his daughter, Pat Mandos.
“Everyone around here is aware of the legacy,” she added, referring to her father, who passed away in 1982.
Living in Greenport, people often ask Pat about her connection to Frank.
Originally hailing from Brooklyn, he settled at Montauk Point from North Jersey in the early 1950s, bringing a unique approach to fishing.
Frank’s brand, “Monster Fisherman,” shifted the perception of Montauk’s fishing scene away from a family-friendly image.
But he couldn’t quite pull off everything he dreamed of.
“He called himself ‘Monster Fisher’ because he knew it would draw in more charter clients,” Pat explained, noting there was something wild about his style.
As a kid, he was quite adventurous—jumping between rooftops until he fell and broke his arm, which led to a significant infection. This remarkable resilience shaped his vibrant personality.
He had a flair for the dramatic, painting his toenails different colors and wearing earrings, often going barefoot.
One of his memorable stunts involved a friend dressing as a Frankenstein-like creature, creating quite the spectacle off the coast.
By the 1960s, the attention-grabbing antics caught the eye of Peter Benchley, who would eventually write “Jaws.” Benchley reportedly took a ride on Frank’s boat, aptly named Cricket.
“My dad was intelligent but didn’t really know who Peter Benchley was,” shared Pat, one of Frank’s three daughters.
“He thought the guy was just interested in fishing tales.” The portrayal of Quint, she noted, didn’t quite capture her father’s essence, which led to some frustration.
“He crafted his identity meticulously for 30 years, and suddenly, it seemed like someone just took that without giving him credit,” she added, expressing her father’s discontent.
Suffolk County executive Ed Romaine also lamented the simplified narrative surrounding Frank and Montauk.
“Frank Mandos was a legendary fisherman worthy of being in Hemingway’s ‘The Old Man and the Sea,’” he remarked.
What’s the Issue
Pat noted that her father wasn’t the bitter old fisherman depicted in the movie.
“He wasn’t in the Navy, nor was he consumed by revenge. He never sought compensation for those lost at sea.”
They attended a screening of “Jaws” together, and he wasn’t shy about voicing his objections.
“He would stand up and exclaim, ‘That’s unrealistic!’ at various points,” she recalled.
“He laughed at scenes that terrified everyone else.” Pat acknowledged that while her father had his grievances, Roy Scheider, known for the role of Chief Brody, seemed unaware, as he expressed reluctance to meet Frank at an anniversary event.
The Real Sequel
Regardless of fact or fiction, the fame of “Jaws” reshaped Montauk in the 1980s, transitioning it from a fishing village to a shark hotspot.
Sam Herthohotz pioneered an annual shark tournament at Star Island’s Marina.
“The first year had 82 boats, and the next year, we almost doubled that,” the 85-year-old expressed, all while the iconic “Jaws” score played in the background.
Motels benefited from the influx too, receiving steady bookings.
During the 1986 tournament, Frank and his fishing partner, Donnie Bradick, made history.
Records indicate they caught an impressive white shark measuring 17 feet and weighing over 3,400 pounds.
The Star Island Yacht Club has a replica of this massive shark, a favorite among tourists today, even though regulations prevent this record from being broken.
Now 69, Bradick recalls a fishing trip where they encountered numerous sharks feasting on a whale carcass.
While heading back to shore, he spotted Frank returning from a charter.
“If you need a skilled surgeon and the best one happens to be deceased, it only makes sense to go for the best,” Bradick joked about their camaraderie, gearing up for a fishing adventure with essentials like pizza and beer.
Under the moonlight, their boats bumped gently against each other—the excitement affirming their bond.
“After an hour and a half, the catch simply made its intentions clear,” Bradick chuckled, recounting how the fierce struggle unfolded.
Eventually, they landed the beast and towed it into shore.
“What followed was one wild celebration,” added Bradick. “People still talk about it.”
The legend of Frank Mandos endures, yet Pat aims to carve out her own path rather than remain in the shadow of her father’s story.
Despite that, she holds onto one poignant lesson her father imparted:
“Fear shouldn’t dictate your existence. To conquer it, you need to embrace the challenge.”
