Close Encounters Fishing Charters really has it all: lake, lagoon, river, and nearshore fishing – all with the same boat! Primarily operating out of Port Canaveral, Captain Xavier Groenendyk is in a prime location to offer you the best of all worlds. Having become a professional scuba diver at a young age, he’s experienced all aspects of fish lives, habits, and really knows the best way to reel them in.
If you’re in Orlando and want something a bit closer, fear not! Capt. Xavier runs his freshwater trips in the surrounding lakes. Get in touch with him to discuss a convenient spot to meet up and you could try your hand at catching Largemouth Bass.
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, with the latter being more effective in the freshwater lakes. On the sea, 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.
Prepare yourselves for an exciting trip, whether it be inshore, nearshore, or freshwater with Close Encounters Fishing Charters. You get to keep your catch and the captain will clean and fillet it for you so that you just have to go home and cook it. The options are endless here, so make the most of it.
FAQs about Close Encounters Fishing Charters
- $625 per group, additional $99 per person after 2 guests - 5hr – Inshore/Nearshore (Canaveral) (5 hours)
- $699 per group, additional $99 per person after 1 guest - 6 Hour Trip – Tarpon Canaveral (6 hours)
- $700 per group, additional $99 per person after 2 guests - 7hr – Inshore/Nearshore (Canaveral) (7 hours)
- 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
- Fly Fishing Equipment
- River Fishing
- Lake Fishing
- Inshore Fishing
- Nearshore Fishing
- Reef Fishing
- Wreck Fishing
- Flats Fishing
- Backcountry Fishing
- Light Tackle
- Heavy Tackle
- Bottom Fishing
- Trolling
- Spinning
- Jigging
- Black Drum
- Grouper (Goliath)
- Jack Crevalle
- King Mackerel (Kingfish)
- Redfish
- Shark (Blacktip)
- Snapper (Mangrove)
- Snapper (Red)
- Snook
- Tarpon
Meet the Captain
37 Fishing Reports |
ID & license verified |
102 Customer reviews |
Response time within an hour |
Member since June 2015 |
About this listing
Targeted species










Boat specs
Pathfinder (Center console) originally built in 2020. Powered by a 250HP Yamaha engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 60 knots.
Types of fishing
Fishing techniques
Amenities
Trip includes
Cancellation policy
If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.
Listing policies
Payment
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:



