Close Encounters Fishing Charters

In Central Florida, there’s a magnificently diverse ecosystem a stone’s throw away from Orlando. Close Encounters Fishing Charters will take you from the inlets and the beaches to the creeks and bays of Mosquito Lagoon, to the beautiful lakes and rivers centralized around Orlando. The rivers and estuaries are known worldwide for some of the best fishing anywhere in the world.

The beautiful estuary hosts magnificent wildlife and offers a glorious experience just cruising upon its waters. Daily encounters of Dolphins, Manatees, Sharks, birds, wild boars, and alligators make it fun for anyone. The fantastic fishing is just a bonus.

Fishing aboard a tournament edition pathfinder bay boat with a 250 HP Yamaha engine, live bait tank and navigational electronics, Capt. Xavier will guide you through the bays and flats around Orlando. The boat’s exceptionally shallow draft, total lack of hull slap at any wind angle and solid beam-to-beam stability ensures an incredibly smooth ride around the shallow waters of the Space Coast. On top of that, it has an incredibly spacious deck and cockpit for a boat of its size, with plenty of room for 4 anglers plus the captain.

Close Encounters Fishing Charters will be able to lead you to a variety of species all year round. Largemouth Bass, Redfish, and Trout don’t have an off-season in the area, while Tarpon, Snook, Flounder, Snapper, Grouper, Jack Crevalle, Sharks and other species can also be targeted.

Whether you are a light tackle angler who wants to battle trophy fish on the flats, a tackle tester who wants to push fishing rods to the limit at the inlet on bruiser fish, or someone who wants to catch a trophy Bass on a topwater plug, Captain Xavier is the guide for you!



Select date to see available trips and rates:

  • Private trip
    5 Hour Trip – Saltwater (NSB)
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    5 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    $625
    Chase fish like black drum, seatrout, redfish, sheepshead, flounder, snapper and shark in our inshore waters surrounding the space coast from New Smyrna beach to Cocoa Beach.
    Targeted fish
    Barracuda (Great)
    Great Barracuda
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Grouper (Goliath)
    Goliath Grouper
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Black Drum
    Black Drum
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Spotted Seatrout
    Spotted Seatrout
    Shark (Blacktip)
    Blacktip Shark
    Flounder
    Flounder
  • Private trip
    6hr – Tarpon Fishing (NSB)
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    6 Hour Trip, starts at 6:45 AM
    Seasonal trip Jun 1 - Oct 15
    $798
    In the summer months, Central Florida gets a large influx of large adult tarpon migrating in schools up and down the coast. These trips are fast-paced, run and gun, and not for the faint of heart. Some tarpon battles can go on for hours and if tarpon is 40 miles from the nearest launch, we are running 40 miles there and back to get to it.
    Targeted fish
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Shark (Blacktip)
    Blacktip Shark
  • Private trip
    7 Hour Trip – Saltwater (NSB)
    FREE Cancellation 30 days notice
    7 Hour Trip, starts at 7:00 AM
    $700
    Chase trophy saltwater fish such as Snook, Black Drum, Seatrout, Redfish, Sheepshead, Flounder, Snapper, and Shark in the inshore waters surrounding the Space Coast from New Smyrna Beach to Cocoa Beach.
    Targeted fish
    Cobia
    Cobia
    Jack Crevalle
    Jack Crevalle
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Snook
    Snook
    Tarpon
    Tarpon
    Snapper (Mangrove)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Black Drum
    Black Drum
    Redfish
    Redfish
    Spotted Seatrout
    Spotted Seatrout
    Shark (Blacktip)
    Blacktip Shark
    Pompano
    Pompano
    Flounder
    Flounder
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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 - 5 Hour Trip – Saltwater (NSB) (5 hours)
  • $699 per group, additional $99 per person after 1 guest - 6hr – Tarpon Fishing (NSB) (6 hours)
  • $700 per group, additional $99 per person after 2 guests - 7 Hour Trip – Saltwater (NSB) (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
  • Lures
  • Drinks (Water)
  • Fishing License
  • Fly Fishing Equipment

Close Encounters Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • River Fishing (Indian River)
  • Inshore Fishing (New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Mosquito Lagoon )
  • Nearshore Fishing (5 miles)
  • Flats Fishing (Mosquito Lagoon)
  • Backcountry Fishing (Space Coast)

Close Encounters Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light Tackle
  • Heavy Tackle
  • Bottom Fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
  • Popping
  • Fly Fishing
  • Drift Fishing
  • Kite Fishing
  • Handline

Top targeted fish species with Close Encounters Fishing Charters include:
  • Black Drum
  • Flounder
  • Grouper (Goliath)
  • Jack Crevalle
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Shark (Hammerhead)
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Spotted Seatrout
  • Tarpon

About the Captain

Xavier Groenendyk
Edgewater, Florida, United States
36 Fishing Reports
ID & License verified
97 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.
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
Flounder Flounder
Grouper (Goliath) Goliath Grouper
Jack Crevalle Jack Crevalle

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
Indian River
Inshore Fishing
New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, Mosquito Lagoon
Nearshore Fishing
5 miles
Flats Fishing
Mosquito Lagoon
Backcountry Fishing
Space Coast

Fishing techniques

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging
Popping
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
Kite Fishing
Handline

Amenities

GPS
Fishfinder
Live Bait Well
Wireless Trolling Motor
Ice Box
Radar

Trip includes

Rods, reels & tackle
Live Bait
Lures
Drinks
Water
Fishing License
Fly Fishing Equipment

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
No min. age, life jackets supplied
You Keep Catch
Catch and Release Allowed
Encouraged

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

Edgewater Fishing Calendar

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Customer reviews

Rating Summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 55 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (127)
Fishing with Xavier
Fishing with Xavier
Fishing with Xavier
+124
Angler Rating
49
2
0
1
0
Anglers Claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
93%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Catch intended fish
98%
Sort By:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 55 reviews
Michael D.
Fredericksburg, VA
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

7-hour Inshore Space Coast

VERIFIED   7 Hour Trip – Saltwater (NSB) on December 6, 2022
Captain Xavier is an expert in his field. He knows where the fish are. He was polite and professional, and he tailored the...
Michael D. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Michael D. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Scott L.
Prospect Heights, IL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Xavier

VERIFIED   7 Hour Trip – Saltwater (NSB) on June 24, 2022
Scott L. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
  Xavier Groenendyk Captain replied

Tina S.
Winter Park, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Ladies THIS is what your husband wants!

7 Hour Trip – Saltwater (NSB) on May 6, 2022
I booked a charter with Captain X to surprise my husband for his birthday. It’s been a rough couple of years so I really...
Tina S. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Xavier Groenendyk Captain replied

Ross M.
Orlando, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Wonderful fishing experience with Capt X!

7 Hour Trip – Saltwater (NSB) on April 21, 2022
I have been on multiple charters with multiple outfitters. Some good some not so good. Captain X’s abilities, gear, and knowledge...
Ross M. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Xavier Groenendyk Captain replied

Pamela H.
Saco, ME
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Had a 5 hour fishing trip.

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip – Saltwater (NSB) on April 28, 2022
It was an amazing fishing trip, he knows and has the years experience. The trip was incredible, I had a great day fishing...
Pamela H. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful
  Xavier Groenendyk Captain replied