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 the age of 14, 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, one of the most intelligent fish around – they’ll never be fooled twice by the same bait.
The 24’ Hurricane center console 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. Spinning, jigging, popping, trolling, even fly fishing and kite fishing. 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 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.
About the Captain
24 Fishing Reports |
ID & License verified |
78 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 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:




Port Canaveral Fishing Calendar
Customer Reviews
FAQs about Close Encounters Fishing Charters
- $550 per group, additional $100 per person after 2 guests - 3 Hour – Saltwater Canaveral (PM) (3 hours)
- $625 per group, additional $100 per person after 2 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Saltwater Canaveral (5 hours)
- $650 per group, additional $100 per person after 3 guests - 3 Hour Saltwater Trip – (Canaveral) (3 hours)
- $700 per group, additional $100 per person after 2 guests - 7 Hour Trip – Saltwater (Canaveral) (7 hours)
- GPS
- Fishfinder
- Live Bait Well
- Wireless Trolling Motor
- Ice Box
- 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
- Offshore Fishing
- Reef Fishing
- Wreck Fishing
- Flats Fishing
- Backcountry Fishing
- Light Tackle
- Heavy Tackle
- Bottom Fishing
- Trolling
- Spinning
- Jigging
- Popping
- Fly Fishing
- Drift Fishing
- Kite Fishing
- Handline
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Black Drum
- Grouper (Goliath)
- Jack Crevalle
- King Mackerel (Kingfish)
- Redfish
- Shark (Blacktip)
- Snapper (Mangrove)
- Snapper (Red)
- Snook
- Tarpon