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.



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    5hr – Inshore/Nearshore (Canaveral)
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    $625
    The trip runs from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Private trip
    6 Hour Trip – Tarpon Canaveral
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Oct 15
    $798
    The trophy tarpon trip is only available during the summer/fall. This trip focuses on hunting down the baddest fish that swims in our coastal waters – the adult tarpon. This species is the marlin of the inshore/nearshore fishery. Some tarpon fights with large fish may last multiple hours so eat your Wheaties before embarking. This trip is high-energy, run-and-gun style fishing and is not for the faint of heart. If tarpon is 40 miles from the nearest launch, it doesn't matter, we're going!
    Targeted fish
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
  • Private trip
    7hr – Inshore/Nearshore (Canaveral)
    Low rate deposit non-refundable
    7 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    $700
    You will be fishing from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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FAQs about Close Encounters Fishing Charters

Close Encounters Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • $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)

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
  • Fly Fishing Equipment

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
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging

Top targeted fish species with Close Encounters Fishing Charters include:
  • Black Drum
  • Grouper (Goliath)
  • Jack Crevalle
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snapper (Red)
  • Snook
  • Tarpon

Meet the Captain

Xavier Groenendyk
Port Canaveral, Florida, United States
37 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
102 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since June 2015
Captian 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!

About this listing

Targeted species

Black Drum Black Drum
Grouper (Goliath) Goliath Grouper
Jack Crevalle Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish) King Mackerel (Kingfish)

Boat specs

Pathfinder (Center console) originally built in 2020. Powered by a 250HP Yamaha engine, with a maximum cruising speed of 60 knots.

Length
22 ft
Capacity
4 persons

Types of fishing

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

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box
Radar

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Upon agreement
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Drinks
Water and ice are provided
Fishing License
Fly Fishing Equipment

Cancellation policy

Deposit non-refundable

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

Listing policies

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

Payment

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.

Port Canaveral fishing calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 36 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (87)
Trophy Reds!
Trophy Reds!
Great Day on the Water
+84
Angler rating
34
1
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
97%
Appropriate for children
94%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
94%
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Showing:
5 of 36 reviews
Noah C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Xavier

VERIFIED   5hr – Inshore/Nearshore (Canaveral) on September 3, 2023
Noah C. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Noah C. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Justin B.
Hinsdale, IL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

August fishing trip

VERIFIED   5hr – Inshore/Nearshore (Canaveral) on August 2, 2023
Capt. Xavier worked super hard to get us on some good snook and help my 10yo son get his first shark. I really enjoyed fishing...
Justin B. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Justin B. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Dean N.
Cincinnati, OH
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Day on the Water

VERIFIED   7hr – Inshore/Nearshore (Canaveral) on March 31, 2023
We had a great day out on an inshore trip with Captain X. Windy conditions and the bite was slow, but he worked hard to put...
Dean N. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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  Xavier Groenendyk Captain replied

Steven G.
New Canaan, CT
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great half day with some trophy catches!

VERIFIED   5hr – Inshore/Nearshore (Canaveral) on February 21, 2023
My son was looking forward to trying to catch some larger fish, and Captain Xavier did not disappoint!! We caught a few 30-40...
Steven G. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Steven G. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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John R.
South Harrison, NJ
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Back water with Captain Xavier

VERIFIED   7hr – Inshore/Nearshore (Canaveral) on April 27, 2023
Consistent production of quality game fish, thoughtful planning re: developing weather, maximized enjoyment with a crescendo...
John R. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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John R. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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