Freshwater Fishing Orlando
+89Always 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!
Captain
Xavier Groenendyk
Most popular features:
Trip availability and prices
Customer reviews
Rating summary
Photos & videos by reviewers (43)
+40Angler rating
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Appropriate for children
91%
Friendly captain
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Caught fish
91%
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Fun and adventurous time for our family if 5
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.
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Awesome Experience
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!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Our trip kicked Bass!!
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!!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Crappie smack down!!
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!
Experience:
Boat
Crew
Overall
Great trip with Capt Xavier
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.
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
Casselberry, Florida, United States
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
What is the boat like?
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.
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