Always wanted to chase florida crappie? Close Encounters Fishing Charters offers experienced and novice anglers alike a totally unique opportunity: to explore Orlando’s many Spec/Crappie-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 Spec-fishing skills.

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, 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!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    3 Hour Bowfishing (AM)
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 9:00 AM
    US $400
    This is a unique opportunity to try daytime bowfishing and not have to travel far out of orlando! While bowfishing is not as easy as it looks, it is very exciting and satisfying when you strike your targeted fish. We primarily shoot tilapia but catfish and garfish are also common! You are welcome to take home your catch, the wild tilapia are delicious!
    Targeted fish
    Catfish
    Catfish
    Garfish
    Garfish
    Tilapia
    Tilapia
  • Private trip
    3 Hour Bowfishing (PM)
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 1:30 PM
    US $400
    This is a unique opportunity to try daytime bowfishing and not have to travel far out of orlando! While bowfishing is not as easy as it looks, it is very exciting and satisfying when you strike your targeted fish. We primarily shoot tilapia but catfish and garfish are also common! You are welcome to take home your catch, the wild tilapia are delicious!
    Targeted fish
    Catfish
    Catfish
    Garfish
    Garfish
    Tilapia
    Tilapia
  • Private trip
    2 Hour PM – Crappie/Speck Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    2 Hour Trip, starts at 3:30 PM
    Seasonal trip Nov 10 - Mar 10
    US $275
    Enjoy a fun afternoon trip learning from a pro, and catching fish! On this trip we target “crappie” or “spec” a sought after freshwater gamefish in florida. Not only are they fun to catch but they are the most delicious fish you can catch in the central florida lakes! These fish can be caught in many different ways including casting or trolling lures and fishing with live bait. On the 4 hour trip you will be targeting crappie but also common to catch largemouth bass as well!
    Targeted fish
    Crappie
    Crappie
  • Private trip
    3 Hour PM – Crappie/Speck Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 2:30 PM
    Seasonal trip Nov 15 - Mar 1
    US $375
    Enjoy a fun morning trip learning from a pro, and catching fish! On this trip we target “crappie” or “spec” a sought after freshwater gamefish in florida. Not only are they fun to catch but they are the most delicious fish you can catch in the central florida lakes! These fish can be caught in many different ways including casting or trolling lures and fishing with live bait. On the 4 hour trip you will be targeting crappie but also common to catch largemouth bass as well!
    Targeted fish
    Crappie
    Crappie
  • Private trip
    3 Hour AM – Crappie/Speck Fishing
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 7:30 AM
    Seasonal trip Nov 15 - Mar 1
    US $424
    Enjoy a fun morning trip learning from a pro, and catching fish! On this trip we target “crappie” or “spec” a sought after freshwater gamefish in florida. Not only are they fun to catch but they are the most delicious fish you can catch in the central florida lakes! These fish can be caught in many different ways including casting or trolling lures and fishing with live bait. On the 4 hour trip you will be targeting crappie but also common to catch largemouth bass as well!
    Targeted fish
    Crappie
    Crappie
  • Private trip
    3hr Largemouth Bass w Lures
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $449
    This trip launches out of RD KEENE Park in beautiful downtown windermere and fishes the pristine Butler chain of lakes. This lake chain is extremely well kept boasting clean water, scenic veiws, gorgeous real estate, and an exceptional abundance of hungry largemouth bass. The largemouth on this lake are often willing to strike a variety of artificial lures better than most lakes making it hard to beat for the avid or novice bass fisherman year round and year over year!
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Largemouth)
    Largemouth Bass
  • Private trip
    3 hr Largemouth w lures & live bait
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    3 Hour Trip, starts at 8:00 AM
    US $525
    This trip launches out of RD KEENE Park in beautiful downtown windermere and fishes the pristine Butler chain of lakes. This lake chain is extremely well kept boasting clean water, scenic veiws, gorgeous real estate, and an exceptional abundance of hungry largemouth bass. The largemouth on this lake are often willing to strike a variety of artificial lures and live bait better than most lakes making it hard to beat for the avid or novice bass fisherman year round and year over year!
    Targeted fish
    Bass (Largemouth)
    Largemouth Bass
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FAQs about Close Encounters Fishing Charters

Close Encounters Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $200 per person - 3 Hour Bowfishing (AM) (3 hours)
  • US $200 per person - 3 Hour Bowfishing (PM) (3 hours)
  • US $225 per group, additional US $50 per person after 1 guest - 2 Hour PM – Crappie/Speck Fishing (2 hours)
  • US $325 per group, additional US $50 per person after 1 guest - 3 Hour PM – Crappie/Speck Fishing (3 hours)
  • US $349 per group, additional US $75 per person after 1 guest - 3 Hour AM – Crappie/Speck Fishing (3 hours)
  • US $399 per group, additional US $50 per person after 1 guest - 3hr Largemouth Bass w Lures (3 hours)
  • US $450 per group, additional US $75 per person after 1 guest - 3 hr Largemouth w lures & live bait (3 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

Trips booked with Close Encounters Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live Bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Fishing License

Close Encounters Fishing Charters offers the following type of fishing:
  • Lake Fishing

Close Encounters Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Drift Fishing

Top targeted fish species with Close Encounters Fishing Charters include:
  • Crappie

Meet the Captain

Xavier Groenendyk
Casselberry, Florida, United States
55 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
108 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

Crappie Crappie

Boat specs

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

Length
22 ft
Capacity
6 persons

Types of fishing

Lake Fishing

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Drift Fishing

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Catch cleaning & filleting
Fishing License

Cancellation policy

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.

Listing policies

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

Payment

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

Recent fishing reports

Daytime Bowfishing is on fire!
Daytime Bowfishing is on fire!
March 18, 2024
With the tilapia spawn in full swind the Daytime Bowfishing is on fire! Sharp shooters are filling coolers and beggineres are having plenty of success! Come try this exciting way to fish!
Continue reading
Bowfishing Sharpshooter!
Bowfishing Sharpshooter!
March 16, 2024
While John had bever been bowfishing before he did have the advantage of a lifetime of bow hunting whitetail deer. He admittedly underestimated the challenge of bowfishing at first but once he figured out the water refraction the fish started flopping in the boat and the cooler started filling fast! We had a great time and are looking forward to going again! He also messaged me a few days later explaining how much he is loving his healthy diet of fresh wild tilapia!
Continue reading
Another daytime bowfishing success!
Another daytime bowfishing success!
March 16, 2024
Another daytime bowfishing success! Blair had bever been daytime bowfishing but took to it like a pro! He is also thoroughly enjoying his tilapia sauteed in butter!
Continue reading

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 11 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (14)
Knowledgeable and friendly Captain. I\u2019ve fished all over the world, and this guy is first class.
Knowledgeable and friendly Captain. I\u2019ve fished all over the world, and this guy is first class.
Fishing with Xavier
+11
Angler rating
10
1
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
86%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
82%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 11 reviews
Andrea B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Xavier

VERIFIED   NEW  4 Hour PM – Crappie/Speck Fishing on March 2, 2024
Andrea B. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Andrea B. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Tim F.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall
First rate Captain! Knowledgeable and courteous,  Caught fish and shared stories. Would highly recommend.
Tim F. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Tim F. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Autumn A.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Xavier

VERIFIED   3 Hour AM – Crappie/Speck Fishing on February 24, 2024
We had a great time!!!
Autumn A. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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  Xavier Groenendyk Captain replied

Ben H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Xavier

VERIFIED   4 Hour PM – Crappie/Speck Fishing on February 1, 2024
Ben H. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
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Ben H. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Robert M.
Maitland, FL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

April fishing trip

VERIFIED   3 Hour – Bass w/ Lures/Live Bait on April 17, 2023
Robert M. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Robert M. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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