Close Encounters Fishing Charters really has it all: lake, lagoon, river, and nearshore fishing – all with the same boat! Primarily operating out of space coast area, Captain Xavier Groenendyk is in a prime location to offer you the best of all worlds.
The pathfinder bay boat on which you’ll be travelling comes equipped with a fishfinder and is powered by a 250 HP Yamaha engine, making sure that you can get to the hottest fishing spots as soon as possible. When fishing in skinny waters, the wireless trolling system will help you drift along quietly, allowing you to spot your prey before they scare.
Rods, reels, and tackle are provided for all types of fishing and Capt. Xavier will teach you all he knows You name it, it’s possible! Depending on the trip, live or artificial bait may be used! You’ll get to target a range of species from Redfish, snook, or Spotted Seatrout, to the pelagic Tarpon and King Mackerel, and even sharks.
Captain
Xavier Groenendyk
Most popular features:
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (96)
Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
97%
Appropriate for children
95%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
95%
Caught fish
95%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
7 hr – Inshore Fishing (AM) on February 11, 2025
I had a great time fishing with Close Encounters charter. Xavier really new what he was doing and put me on the fish everytime. Ended up catching three new species of fish to add to my list. The gear and bait provided landed nothing but lunkers all day. I can't wait to get back and fish anouther round with Close Encounters again.
I had a great time fishing with Close Encounters charter. Xavier really new what he was doing and put me on the fish everytime. Ended up catching three new species of fish to add to my list. The gear and bait provided landed nothing but lunkers all day. I can't wait to get back and fish anouther round with Close Encounters again.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5hr – Inshore Fishing (AM) on July 28, 2025
Xavier put us on Tarpon and snook, our bucket list fish. Unbelievable experience!!!!
Xavier put us on Tarpon and snook, our bucket list fish. Unbelievable experience!!!!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
7 hr – Inshore Fishing (AM) on October 14, 2024
Xavier was excellent. I would recommend this captain to anyone. He makes sure you are his first priority. Excellent with adults and teens. We caught so many fish. First class trip.
Xavier was excellent. I would recommend this captain to anyone. He makes sure you are his first priority. Excellent with adults and teens. We caught so many fish. First class trip.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
7 hr – Inshore Fishing (AM) on October 26, 2024
Captain put us on the redfish immediately. We went 9 for 10.
Captain put us on the redfish immediately. We went 9 for 10.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
5hr – Inshore Fishing (PM) on September 3, 2023
Close Encounters Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
When you book a trip with Close Encounters Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
Trips booked with Close Encounters Fishing Charters include:
Close Encounters Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
Close Encounters Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
Top targeted fish species with Close Encounters Fishing Charters include:
Titusville, Florida, United States
The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.
Captain Xavier was raised in New Smyrna Beach and Orlando, Florida; growing up with the world famous Mosquito Lagoon in his backyard, and world-class Bass fishing in the lakes and rivers. He capitalized on the extremely diverse fishery just minutes from home. The captain spent all his free time learning the local waters, recording everything into fishing logs, studying the tides, temperatures, and the movements of sought-after game fish. He realized that in order to consistently catch big fish, it is important to understand the science of the fish and the waters, as well as being well versed in various fishing techniques. Becoming a certified scuba diver at the age of 14, Xavier has spent many hours observing fish from underwater to gauge their reaction to baits, chum, and artificial lures. He loves to share his experience with his guests!
River Fishing
Lake Fishing
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing
Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Jigging
GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box
Radar
Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Upon agreement
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Water and ice are provided
Fishing License
Deposit non-refundable
If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.
Pickup not included
Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.
Child Friendly
No minimum age, life jackets provided
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
Book with 20% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 20% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
Cash
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 4% charge will apply.