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Close Encounters Fishing Charters 

5.0
(53 reviews)
 
State licensed
 Marina Road 501, Titusville, FL 32796, United States–
+87
+84

Close Encounters Fishing Charters 

Titusville, FL, United States
–
22 ft
4
5.0
(53 reviews)
Trips & prices
Targeted species
Boat info
What's biting
What's included
Contact captain
Trips & prices
What's included
Targeted species
Boat info
Reviews
Contact captain

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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
Popular features
Fishing license
Live bait
You keep catch
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Popular features
Fishing license
Live bait
You keep catch
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Almost there...
5hr – Inshore Fishing (AM)
Non-refundable
5 hour trip starts at 7:00 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
There are 10 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

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

Anglers' gallery (129)

What anglers say

98%
Great experience
95%
Family friendly
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
92%
Recommended
96%
Caught fish

All reviews (53)

Frequently mentioned
Showing 1 – 5 of 53 reviews
Jonathan Cooper
Jonathan Cooper
gb
United Kingdom
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
FANTASTIC fishing trip
7 hr – Inshore Fishing (AM) on August 24, 2026 • 1 adult

A truly fantastic trip. Skipper Xavier was immensely knowledgeable of the required fishing techniques, tackle & location. He made me feel welcome & at ease right from the get go. Caught lots of excellent size snook & red fish and just missed out on tarpon & tuna…. I would highly recommend going fishing with this skipper & boat…thanks Xavier for a truly great experience

Reported catch:
Snook
Redfish
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, 2026 • 1 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!

Justin Shepherd
Justin Shepherd
us
Mississippi, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Awesome Trip
5hr – Inshore Fishing (AM) on May 15, 2026 • 2 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
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, 2026 • 3 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 Leichliter
Justin Leichliter
us
Texas, US
Member since 2026
The captain canceled
June 30, 2026
Trip was supposed to happen on June 30, 2026

The charter operator canceled 1 days prior to the trip date. This is an automated posting.

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
Titusville, Florida, United States
65 Fishing Reports
119 Customer reviews
Typical response within 1 hour
Member since June 2015
Captain Xavier was raised in New Smyrna Beach and Orlando, Florida, with the world-famous Mosquito Lagoon in his backyard and world-class bass fishing in the surrounding lakes and rivers. He took advantage of this diverse fishery just minutes from home. The captain spent all his free time learning the local waters, recording his findings in fishing logs, studying the tides and temperatures, and tracking the movements of sought-after game fish. He realized that consistently catching big fish requires an understanding of fish behavior and water conditions, as well as proficiency in various fishing techniques. Having become a certified scuba diver at the age of 14, Xavier has spent many hours observing fish underwater to gauge their reactions to bait, chum, and artificial lures. He loves sharing his experience with his guests!
Xavier Groenendyk
Xavier Groenendyk
65
reports
119
reviews
2015
member since
~2h
response
Captain Xavier was raised in New Smyrna Beach and Orlando, Florida, with the world-famous Mosquito Lagoon in his backyard and world-class bass fishing in the surrounding lakes and rivers. He took advantage of this diverse fishery just minutes from home. The captain spent all his free time learning the local waters, recording his findings in fishing logs, studying the tides and temperatures, and tracking the movements of sought-after game fish. He realized that consistently catching big fish requires an understanding of fish behavior and water conditions, as well as proficiency in various fishing techniques. Having become a certified scuba diver at the age of 14, Xavier has spent many hours observing fish underwater to gauge their reactions to bait, chum, and artificial lures. He loves sharing 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

Real catches by this captain

  • Angler proudly displaying a large Redfish while fishing on a boat in a coastal waterway.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    The fall redfish bite in the space coast area is in full swing. There is alot of baitfish in for the fall mullet run and the reds are taking full advantage. This is an excellent time to go fishing!
  • Adult angler holding a large snook over open coastal waters, with a fishing rod visible in the background.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Jonathan C.
    Jonathan C.
    A truly fantastic trip. Skipper Xavier was immensely knowledgeable of the required fishing techniques, tackle & location. He made me feel welcome & at ease right from the get go. Caught lots of excellent size snook & red fish and just missed out on tarpon & tuna…. I would highly recommend going fishing with this skipper & boat…thanks Xavier for a truly great experience
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Redfish while fishing on calm waters.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    The shallow waters of the lagoon have been excellent fishing in recent mornings. We are seeing lots of redfish along with some sea trout black drum and snook and tarpon!
  • Adult angler proudly holding a large redfish over coastal water during a fishing charter.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Justin S.
    Justin S.
    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.
  • Angler proudly displaying a large Redfish while fishing on a boat in calm waters.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    David L.
    David L.
    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 .
  • Young angler proudly holding a large Black Drum while fishing on a sunny day.
    Fish 1
    Black Drum
    Michelle H.
    Michelle H.
    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 !!
  • A young angler proudly displaying a large Black Drum while fishing on a boat, with a family member in the background enjoying the sunny day.
    Fish 1
    Black Drum
    Hot morning of black drum fishing!
  • Two anglers proudly holding large redfish aboard a boat in a wooded coastal waterway.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Redfish
    Very exciting 7hr inshore fishing trip for redfish and black drum. Multipe large specimens of each caught in less than ideal conditions!
  • Two anglers proudly displaying a large Redfish while on a fishing trip, surrounded by a scenic backdrop of trees and water.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Redfish
    Spring in the Space Coast Area provides opportunities to land the redfish of a lifetime! These passengers landed not one but two trophy class redfish on their morning outing!
  • A happy couple proudly displaying a large Redfish caught during their fishing trip in a scenic coastal environment.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    The spring shallow water redfishing is heating up in the backcountry!

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 30% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 30% 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

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