Close Encounters Fishing Charters 

5.0/5 (51 reviews)
 
State licensed
 Marina Road 501, Titusville, FL 32796, United States

Close Encounters Fishing Charters 

Up to 3 miles
Titusville, FL, United States
22 ft
4
5.0/5 (51 reviews)

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.

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.

Xavier Groenendyk
Captain
Xavier Groenendyk
14 years of experience
ID & credentials verified

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
August 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Loading...
Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Almost there...
5hr – Inshore Fishing (AM)
Non-refundable
5 hour trip starts at 7:30 AM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+5
US $625
Entire boat: 2 people
5hr – Inshore Fishing (PM)
Non-refundable
5 hour trip starts at 12:30 PM
Seasonal trip
Nov 1 - Apr 1 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+5
US $625
Entire boat: 2 people
7 hr – Inshore Fishing (AM)
Non-refundable
7 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Tarpon
Snapper (Mangrove)
+5
US $700
Entire boat: 2 people
7hr – Inshore Fishing (PM)
Non-refundable
7 hour trip starts at 10:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Nov 1 - Apr 1 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
US $700
Entire boat: 2 people

Customer reviews

Loading...

Rating

5.0
51 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (127)

What anglers say

98%
Great experience
95%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
92%
Recommended
95%
Caught fish

All reviews (51)

Frequently mentioned
Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...Loading...
Showing 15 of 52 reviews
Jody Harkey
Jody Harkey
Repeat angler
us
North Carolina, US
Member since 2025
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Best day on the water ever!
7 hr – Inshore Fishing (AM) on January 19, 20261 adult

I had booked this charter fully expecting that fishing would be slower with the cooler temperatures... It wasn't! To say that Captain Xavier put us on fish would be an understatement. I've never seen so many quality fish. The organization and size of the boat made navigating to fight fish even easier. Fishing is never a guarantee, but it's always fun when even the captain is surprised. Thanks for an excellent day!

Jonathan Brewer
Jonathan Brewer
Repeat angler
us
Louisiana, US
Member since 2024
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Great Fishing Trip!
7 hr – Inshore Fishing (AM) on October 16, 20251 adult2 children

Captain Xavier was great with my 11 y/o son and his 12 y/o buddy on our trip. The conditions were very windy and was concerned we might not have much luck but he put us on the redfish right away! We caught approximately 30 on a morning trip and some really nice ones! Multiple times both boys had a fish on the line at the same time. Captain Xavier was easygoing and made our trip very enjoyable! Would definitely recommend!

Reported catch:
Redfish
Speckled Trout
David Lantrip
David Lantrip
Repeat angler
us
Florida, US
Member since 2023
4 trips
5.0
Verified
April fishing trip
7 hr – Inshore Fishing (AM) on April 12, 20263 adults

Great Charter today with captain Xavier. Quality redfish at almost every spot we fished. Extensive local knowledge, excellent demeanor, shared fishing tips and worked very hard to provide an excellent experience for us .

Reported catch:
Redfish
Xavier Groenendyk
Response from Captain

Thanks David, I really enjoyed fishing with you and your family, Looking forward to your next visit! All the best, Capt X

Justin Shepherd
Justin Shepherd
us
Mississippi, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Awesome Trip
5hr – Inshore Fishing (AM) on May 15, 20262 adults

Xavier put us on the fish! I also broke my personal best redfish as well. Dude is awesome and would recommend to anyone! Great equipment and professional.

Reported catch:
Redfish
Michelle Hyska
Michelle Hyska
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Loved it
5hr – Inshore Fishing (AM) on April 2, 20262 adults

We have done many charters around the charter and this definetly could have been the best ! He answered all my 13 year olds questions too !!

Reported catch:
Black Drum
Jack Crevalle
Xavier Groenendyk
Response from Captain

Thanks Michelle, really enjoyed fishing with you and your son! All the best, Capt X

FAQs about Close Encounters Fishing Charters

Close Encounters Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $625 per group, additional US $99 per person after 2 guests - 5hr – Inshore Fishing (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $625 per group, additional US $99 per person after 2 guests - 5hr – Inshore Fishing (PM) (5 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $99 per person after 2 guests - 7 hr – Inshore Fishing (AM) (7 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $99 per person after 2 guests - 7hr – Inshore Fishing (PM) (7 hours)
When you book a trip with Close Encounters Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
  • Radar
Trips booked with Close Encounters Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (Upon agreement)
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Drinks (Water and ice are provided)
  • Fishing license
Close Encounters Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • River fishing
  • Lake fishing
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Reef fishing
  • Wreck fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Close Encounters Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
Top targeted fish species with Close Encounters Fishing Charters include:
  • Black Drum
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Shark (Bull)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon

Your captain

Xavier Groenendyk
Xavier Groenendyk
Xavier Groenendyk

Titusville, Florida, United States

62 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
118 Customer reviews
Typical response within 1 hour
Member since June 2015

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!

62 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
118 Customer reviews
Typical response within 1 hour
Member since June 2015

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!

The fish you can target

Black Drum
Black Drum
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Redfish
Redfish
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Bull Shark
Bull Shark
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Snook
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
Tarpon
Black Drum
Black Drum
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
Redfish
Redfish
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Bull Shark
Bull Shark

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 persons
Boat length
22 ft
Year built
2020
Boat manufacturer
Pathfinder
Boat type
Center console
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
60 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing
Lake Fishing
Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Reef Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Spinning
Jigging

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box
Radar

What's included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Upon agreement
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Water and ice are provided
Fishing license

How cancellations work

Deposit non-refundable

If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.

More details

What the listing policies are

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

How you can pay

Book with 10% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 10% 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.

What’s biting in Titusville right now

RedfishRedfish
Shark (Blacktip)Shark (Blacktip)
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
SnookSnook
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TarponTarpon

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Close Encounters Fishing Charters
Close Encounters Fishing Charters
State licensed
5.0
(51)
22 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+7
5 hour trip • 2 persons
US $625