The Legendary Great White Shark That Shocked Longboat Key in 1937

Longboat Key, Florida, USA - In a remarkable tale from the depths of Florida’s Gulf waters, fans of maritime history will surely appreciate the story of Edgar J. Green, who in 1937, caught a 2,536-pound Great White shark. This exhilarating catch unfolded about six miles west of Longboat Pass, a location that has become somewhat iconic among local anglers. Equipped with a 3,000-pound test line, a hefty 200-fathom reel, and even a flipper from a 30-pound skate as bait, Green found himself in a battle with a fish that would redefine shark fishing records. According to Sarasota Magazine, the shark measured an extraordinary 20 feet long and 8 feet wide, with its liver filling three No. 3 wash tubs—each capable of holding around 17 gallons. After the liver was cooked, the oil yielded enough to fill a 50-gallon drum!

Before Green’s legendary catch, the record was held by a 15-foot, 1-inch shark caught in Australia. But this wasn’t the end of the story for monster sharks in the waters of North America. Just a few decades later, in the 1950s, Frank Mundus would seize the spotlight by catching an even larger Great White, a massive 3,427-pound predator measuring 17 feet in length. This catch was among the largest ever using a rod and reel, sending ripples through the fishing community.

Who Was Edgar J. Green?

Born in Lowndes County, Georgia, and raised in Cortez, Florida, Edgar J. Green had fishing in his blood from a young age. His father operated the Manatee River Fish Company, providing Edgar with ample opportunity to soak up essential fishing knowledge. Fishing for sharks off Anna Maria Island was a routine endeavor, but the presence of these formidable creatures often slipped beneath the radar of local newspapers due to tourist concerns. As Southern Greens reveals, sharks were caught not just for sport but for their valuable oil, historically sought after by pharmaceutical companies.

On Christmas Eve of that fateful year, Green found himself alone, battling the impressive Great White shark just yards from the shore. Outfitting his skiff to tackle the giant, he ultimately towed it to Longboat Beach, all while bravely fighting the creature single-handedly. The debate over the actual size of the shark persists; while Green claimed it was between 22 and 24 feet long, evidence demonstrates it was 20 feet long, the largest recorded in North America at the time.

A Legacy of Giant Sharks

Frank Mundus, who made a name for himself in the 1950s as a shark fisherman off Montauk, New York, changed the game further. His legendary borrowed time at sea aboard his boat, Cricket II, allowed him to pursue groundfish fishing before turning his attention to sharks. His catches helped popularize shark fishing, attracting crowds and igniting a passion among fellow anglers. Notably, Mundus inspired the character Quint in the famous film *Jaws*, which, as Living Sharks mentions, drew elements from his methods and adventures.

Towards the end of his fishing career, Mundus became a proponent of catch-and-release practices, a shift in attitude reflecting growing conservation ideals. He even contributed to shark tagging technology, demonstrating a commitment to protecting these magnificent creatures. His Cricket II has since been restored and transformed into a rehabilitation fishing charter for U.S. veterans, showcasing his enduring legacy in a new light.

Today, Great White sharks are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, a status that emphasizes the need for protective measures against fishing and hunting. As these waters continue to be inhabited by such magnificent predators, the tales of Green and Mundus serve as both a historical testament and a reminder of our obligation to preserve the wonders of the ocean.