<P> Mundus started what he called `` Monster Fishing '' with boats leaving the port at Lake Montauk . Mundus with his colorful character became immediately popular . He further helped his reputation by catching a 4,500 pound white shark by harpoon ( the weight was estimated without the shark having been weighed ) . In 1986 he and Donnie Braddick caught a 3,427 - pound great white about 28 miles off Montauk , and only 18 miles from Block Island , which still holds the record , not only for the largest shark , but for the largest fish of any kind ever caught by rod and reel . The capture of the shark was controversial at the time , with some saying the shark was feeding on a whale when caught ( which would have negated the so - called `` official record '' ) . The International Game Fishing Association ruled that the catch was legitimate based on photographs . </P>
<P> Mundus started what he called `` Monster Fishing '' with boats leaving the port at Lake Montauk . Mundus with his colorful character became immediately popular . He further helped his reputation by catching a 4,500 pound white shark by harpoon ( the weight was estimated without the shark having been weighed ) . In 1986 he and Donnie Braddick caught a 3,427 - pound great white about 28 miles off Montauk , and only 18 miles from Block Island , which still holds the record , not only for the largest shark , but for the largest fish of any kind ever caught by rod and reel . The capture of the shark was controversial at the time , with some saying the shark was feeding on a whale when caught ( which would have negated the so - called `` official record '' ) . The International Game Fishing Association ruled that the catch was legitimate based on photographs . </P>
biggest fish ever caught with a rod and reel
biggest fish ever caught with a rod and reel
shark
shark