Freshwater Fishing Orlando 

4.9/5 (23 reviews)
 
State licensed
 Marina Point 1247, Casselberry, FL 32707, United States
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Always wanted to chase florida crappie or largemouth bass? Close Encounters Fishing Charters offers a unique experience for both advanced and novice anglers alike to explore Orlando's many gamefish filled lakes and creeks by casting off on a one-to-one personalized angling adventure!

Captain Xavier Groenendyk will be your fishing teacher. He's the perfect person to show you around these waters, and will have you fishing them like a pro!

On this special trip, Capt. Xavier will use his years of experience and knowledge to help you learn and hone many different techniques that can be utilized to catch fish.

This private trip is the perfect option for new anglers who want to learn the ropes, as well as more experienced fishermen who want to pick up some specialized freshwater fishing skills and techniques.

You'll be casting your line from a 22 ft high-performance (tournament edition) pathfinder bay boat, with plenty of room for you and your captain. This vessel was designed with the ability to cross large lakes in comfort, yet still get into the tightest and shallowest creeks, as well as hard to reach bayous.

Your vessel is decked out with top-quality navigational and safety equipment, as well as a wireless trolling motor, which will come in handy when you're cruising shallow waters for that trophy fish! There's also plenty of room for top-quality fishing equipment, including a variety of lures and baits which are all included in your trip.

You'll experience the perfect combination of hands-on action and one-on-one advice on this trip. Treat yourself or your favorite fishing fanatic to a truly one-off angling adventure aboard Close Encounters Fishing Charters!

Xavier Groenendyk

Captain

Xavier Groenendyk

13 years of experience
 ID & credentials verified
 responds within an hour

Most popular features:

 Fishing License
 Live Bait
 You Keep Catch
 Catch cleaning & filleting
 Child Friendly
 Ice Box
 Rods, reels & tackle

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Days:
Group Size:
Almost there...
3 Hour Bowfishing (AM)
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
3 Hour Trip, starts at 8:30 AM
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US $498 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
3 Hour PM – Crappie/Speck Fishing
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
3 Hour Trip, starts at 2:30 PM
Seasonal trip Oct 15 - Mar 1
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US $325 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
3 Hour AM – freshwater fishing
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
3 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
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US $375 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
3 Hour AM – Crappie/Speck Fishing
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
3 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip Oct 15 - Apr 1
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US $400 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
4 Hour AM – freshwater fishing
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 6:30 AM
Seasonal trip Oct 15 - May 1
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+1
US $425 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
4 Hour AM – Crappie/Speck Fishing
FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
4 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip Oct 15 - Mar 1
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US $500 
Entire boat: up to 5 people
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

Rating summary

4.9/5
out of 5 stars from 23 reviews
Boat
5.0/5
Crew
5.0/5
Experience
4.9/5

Photos & videos by reviewers (43)

Our trip kicked Bass!!
Our trip kicked Bass!!
Our trip kicked Bass!!
+40

Angler rating

22
1
0
0
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Anglers claimed

Good experience

100%

Appropriate for children

91%

Friendly captain

100%

Satisfied with the boat

100%

Recommend this charter

100%

Caught fish

91%

Showing 1 - 5 of 23 reviews
Daniel L.
Daniel L.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Fun and adventurous time for our family if 5

VERIFIED

3 Hour AM – Crappie/Speck Fishing on March 22, 2025

Xavier was tour/fishing guide. He is down-to-earth, answered a ton of questions my kids were asking, very knowledgeable and kind. We had a blast catching crappie, bass and a few needle fish that seemed to get away. We were able to see a few gators that were chilling. He cleaned and fileted the fish for us which we just had for lunch. I highly recommend using his as your fish guide.

Xavier was tour/fishing guide. He is down-to-earth, answered a ton of questions my kids were asking, very knowledgeable and kind. We had a blast catching crappie, bass and a few needle fish that seemed to get away. We were able to see a few gators that were chilling. He cleaned and fileted the fish for us which we just had for lunch. I highly recommend using his as your fish guide.  

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 Daniel L. recommends Freshwater Fishing Orlando

Matthew M.
Matthew M.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Awesome Experience

VERIFIED

3 Hour AM – Crappie/Speck Fishing on February 17, 2025

Capt. Xavier was great to fish with. Great communication throughout. He knows where the fish are and had great techniques to share. What really put it above the top was he asked if I had ever bowed fish, which I haven't. He was kind enough to take me out and give me a rundown on how to do it and let me shoot at some Tilapia! Definitely one of the best fish charters I've ever been with and would love to go again next time I'm in town!

Capt. Xavier was great to fish with. Great communication throughout. He knows where the fish are and had great techniques to share. What really put it above the top was he asked if I had ever bowed fish, which I haven't. He was kind enough to take me out and give me a rundown on how to do it and let me shoot at some Tilapia! Definitely one of the best fish charters I've ever been with and would love to go again next time I'm in town!  

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 Matthew M. recommends Freshwater Fishing Orlando

Jef F.
Jef F.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Our trip kicked Bass!!

VERIFIED

4 Hour AM – freshwater fishing on June 5, 2025

We had a great time with Captain Xavier! He was very friendly and knowledgeable. He put us right on top of the fish and had us reeling in some big bass in no time! If you are looking for a family friendly experience this is a definite must! Thanks for a great time Capt. Xavier!!

We had a great time with Captain Xavier! He was very friendly and knowledgeable. He put us right on top of the fish and had us reeling in some big bass in no time! If you are looking for a family friendly experience this is a definite must! Thanks for a great time Capt. Xavier!!  

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 Jef F. recommends Freshwater Fishing Orlando
Xavier Groenendyk
Xavier Groenendyk (The Captain)
Replied on June 7, 2025
Thanks Jef, really enjoyed fishing with you and your family, nice work slaying the bass on artificial!

Corey C.
Corey C.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Crappie smack down!!

VERIFIED

3 Hour AM – Crappie/Speck Fishing on March 18, 2025

Xavier was an awesome guide! Great experience for some Minnesota boys catching some Central Florida crappies. Awesome time and would highly recommend his services as he is knowledgeable, kind, and professional. It was like I was fishing with one of my buddies. Thanks again Xavier!

Xavier was an awesome guide! Great experience for some Minnesota boys catching some Central Florida crappies. Awesome time and would highly recommend his services as he is knowledgeable, kind, and professional. It was like I was fishing with one of my buddies. Thanks again Xavier!  

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 Corey C. recommends Freshwater Fishing Orlando

Douglas S.
Douglas S.
5.0/5

Experience:

5.0/5

Boat

5.0/5

Crew

5.0/5

Overall

Great trip with Capt Xavier

VERIFIED

3 Hour PM – Crappie/Speck Fishing on December 23, 2024

On Dec 23 2024 I went fishing with my 2 grandkids, ages 7 and 5. In Lake Howell I Orlando. Capt Xavier was great with the kids. They really liked him and had a great t time. We were cork fishing for Crappie. Action was steady, sometimes 10 minutes between bites, sometime faster. Xavier really knows his stuff. Highly recommend him.

On Dec 23 2024 I went fishing with my 2 grandkids, ages 7 and 5. In Lake Howell I Orlando. Capt Xavier was great with the kids. They really liked him and had a great t time. We were cork fishing for Crappie. Action was steady, sometimes 10 minutes between bites, sometime faster. Xavier really knows his stuff. Highly recommend him.  

 Douglas S. recommends Freshwater Fishing Orlando
Xavier Groenendyk
Xavier Groenendyk (The Captain)
Replied on December 25, 2024
Thanks Douglas, had a great time with you and your family!
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FAQs about Freshwater Fishing Orlando

What are the trip rates for Freshwater Fishing Orlando?

Freshwater Fishing Orlando offers the following trips to customers:

  • US $249 per person - 3 Hour Bowfishing (AM) (3 hours)
  • US $275 per group, additional US $50 per person after 1 guest - 3 Hour PM – Crappie/Speck Fishing (3 hours)
  • US $325 per group, additional US $75 per person after 1 guest - 3 Hour AM – Crappie/Speck Fishing (3 hours)
  • US $325 per group, additional US $50 per person after 1 guest - 3 Hour AM – freshwater fishing (3 hours)
  • US $375 per group, additional US $50 per person after 1 guest - 4 Hour AM – freshwater fishing (4 hours)
  • US $425 per group, additional US $75 per person after 1 guest - 4 Hour AM – Crappie/Speck Fishing (4 hours)
Which amenities are available onboard with Freshwater Fishing Orlando?

When you book a trip with Freshwater Fishing Orlando, you can expect the following amenities onboard:

  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live Bait Well
  • Wireless Trolling Motor
  • Ice Box
What's included in the trip price with Freshwater Fishing Orlando?

Trips booked with Freshwater Fishing Orlando include:

  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Fishing License
What types of fishing does Freshwater Fishing Orlando offer?

Freshwater Fishing Orlando offers the following type of fishing:

  • Lake Fishing
What fishing techniques does Freshwater Fishing Orlando offer?

Freshwater Fishing Orlando offers the following fishing techniques:

  • Light Tackle
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Drift Fishing
Which fish species can I catch with Freshwater Fishing Orlando?

Top targeted fish species with Freshwater Fishing Orlando include:

  • Crappie

Your captain

Xavier Groenendyk

Casselberry, Florida, United States

65 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
133 Customer reviews
Response time within an hour
Member since June 2015
angler's choice

The Angler's Choice Award is given to listings that consistently deliver a high-quality service and earn great reviews from customers.

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

Crappie
Crappie

What is the boat like?

Boat Image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
5 persons
Boat length
22 ft
Year built
2020
Boat manufacturer
Pathfinder
Boat type
Bay boat

Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 250HP
Max cruising speed
60 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Lake Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle

Trolling

Spinning

Jigging

Drift Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS

Fishfinder

Live Bait Well

Wireless Trolling Motor

Ice Box

What’s included in the trip price

Rods, reels & tackle

Live Bait

Lures

Catch cleaning & filleting

Fishing License

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 30 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 30 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

Transfer to/from departure site is not included in trip rates.

Child Friendly

All ages are welcome!

You Keep Catch

Catch and Release Allowed

How you can pay

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

 PayPal

When paying the remaining balance with a credit card, an additional 4% charge will apply.