Port Canaveral Fishing Charters 

5.0/5 (4 reviews)
 
State licensed
 Jetty Park Road, Port Canaveral, FL 32920, United States

Port Canaveral Fishing Charters 

Up to 3 miles
Port Canaveral, FL, United States
22 ft
4
5.0/5 (4 reviews)

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If you're ready to love fishing in Port Canaveral, we've got you covered with Close Encounters Fishing Charters. With Captain Xavier at the helm, you'll benefit from years of knowledge and experience.

Depending on conditions, you might hook into Cobia, Sheepshead, Tarpon, Jack Crevalle, Tripletail, Mangrove Snapper, Black Drum, Redfish, Blacktip Shark, King Mackerel (Kingfish), Snook, Bull Shark, and whatever else is biting. You'll target your catch by spinning, trolling, jigging, or maybe something more specialized in this area.

Trips with Close Encounters Fishing Charters are child-friendly, so go ahead and bring the whole family along! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise you should bring your own. Feel free to bring your own snacks!

You'll be welcome aboard a 22' Pathfinder bay boat that holds up to 4 passengers. It has downriggers, all the essentials no fishing machine can run without. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, as well as lures and bait!

Your fishing license for the day is covered by the charter boat, so all you have to do is look forward to your trip! Some fish have special regulations, including when you can keep them. Simply ask and your captain can tell you more.

Don't leave home without sunglasses, a hat, sunblock (non-spray), and bottled water. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

How often would you rather be fishing? Go on and turn that day dream into a reality, with Close Encounters Fishing Charters.

If you're ready to love fishing in Port Canaveral, we've got you covered with Close Encounters Fishing Charters. With Captain Xavier at the helm, you'll benefit from years of knowledge and experience.

Depending on conditions, you might hook into Cobia, Sheepshead, Tarpon, Jack Crevalle, Tripletail, Mangrove Snapper, Black Drum, Redfish, Blacktip Shark, King Mackerel (Kingfish), Snook, Bull Shark, and whatever else is biting. You'll target your catch by spinning, trolling, jigging, or maybe something more specialized in this area.

Trips with Close Encounters Fishing Charters are child-friendly, so go ahead and bring the whole family along! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise you should bring your own. Feel free to bring your own snacks!

You'll be welcome aboard a 22' Pathfinder bay boat that holds up to 4 passengers. It has downriggers, all the essentials no fishing machine can run without. You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you, as well as lures and bait!

Your fishing license for the day is covered by the charter boat, so all you have to do is look forward to your trip! Some fish have special regulations, including when you can keep them. Simply ask and your captain can tell you more.

Don't leave home without sunglasses, a hat, sunblock (non-spray), and bottled water. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, just avoid hard liquor as well as glass bottles.

How often would you rather be fishing? Go on and turn that day dream into a reality, with Close Encounters Fishing Charters.

Xavier Groenendyk
Captain
Xavier Groenendyk
14 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Trip availability and prices

Trip Date:
Group Size:
Select date to see availability
July 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Number of days
1
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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5 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore AM
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 6:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Nov 1 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Barracuda (Great)
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+8
US $625
Entire boat: 2 people
5 Hr Trip – Nearshore Shark Fishing
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Nov 1
Shark (Hammerhead)
Shark (Blacktip)
Shark (Tiger)
Shark (Nurse)
+3
US $625
Entire boat: 2 people
5 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore PM
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
5 hour trip starts at 11:30 AM
Seasonal trip
Nov 1 - Apr 1 (Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri)
Barracuda (Great)
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+8
US $625
Entire boat: 2 people
7 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore AM
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
7 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Apr 1 - Nov 1
Barracuda (Great)
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+8
US $700
Entire boat: 2 people
7 Hour Trip – Tarpon/Snook Beach AM
FREE Cancellation 14 days notice
7 hour trip starts at 6:45 AM
Seasonal trip
Jun 1 - Oct 1
Barracuda (Great)
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
+8
US $750
Entire boat: 2 people
There are 2 people looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
4 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (8)

All reviews (4)

Frequently mentioned
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Showing 14 of 4 reviews
Paul Seybt
Paul Seybt
Repeat angler
us
South Carolina, US
Member since 2024
3 trips
5.0
Verified
Fantastic trip
5 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore AM on July 17, 20252 adults

Excellent day on the water. Went the extra mile to make sure my son was able to catch his dream snook. Very knowledgeable, clean boat and puts you on the fish. We will be back!

Oravis Obregon
Oravis Obregon
us
Florida, US
Member since 2025
5.0
Verified
Captain Xavier
5 Hr Trip – Nearshore Shark Fishing on July 26, 20252 adults1 child

Thank you captain Xavier. See you soon again.

Blake Copeland
Blake Copeland
Repeat angler
us
Colorado, US
Member since 2024
3 trips
5.0
Verified
Awesome day
7 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore AM on June 6, 20252 adults

My wife and I had an awesome day with Captain Xavier. Nice, clean, reliable boat. We both caught our personal best of snook and jack crevalle (some of the biggest fish we've ever seen).

Reported catch:
Jack Crevalle
Snook
Xavier Groenendyk
Response from Captain

Thanks Blake, had a blast fishing with you and your wife! All the best, Capt X.

Brenton Kelley
Brenton Kelley
us
Louisiana, US
Member since 2024
5.0
Verified
Fishing with Xavier
7 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore AM on July 18, 20243 adults

FAQs about Port Canaveral Fishing Charters

Port Canaveral Fishing Charters offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $625 per group, additional US $99 per person after 2 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore AM (5 hours)
  • US $625 per group, additional US $99 per person after 2 guests - 5 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore PM (5 hours)
  • US $625 per group, additional US $99 per person after 2 guests - 5 Hr Trip – Nearshore Shark Fishing (5 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $99 per person after 2 guests - 7 Hour Trip – Inshore/Nearshore AM (7 hours)
  • US $750 per group, additional US $99 per person after 2 guests - 7 Hour Trip – Tarpon/Snook Beach AM (7 hours)
When you book a trip with Port Canaveral Fishing Charters, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Port Canaveral Fishing Charters include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
  • Catch cleaning & filleting
  • Fishing license
Port Canaveral Fishing Charters offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Port Canaveral Fishing Charters offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Jigging
Top targeted fish species with Port Canaveral Fishing Charters include:
  • Black Drum
  • Cobia
  • Jack Crevalle
  • King Mackerel (Kingfish)
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Shark (Bull)
  • Sheepshead
  • Snapper (Mangrove)
  • Snook
  • Tarpon
  • Tripletail

Your captain

Xavier Groenendyk
Xavier Groenendyk
Xavier Groenendyk

Port Canaveral, Florida, United States

62 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
118 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2015

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!

62 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
118 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2015

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

Black Drum
Black Drum
Cobia
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Redfish
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Bull Shark
Bull Shark
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Mangrove Snapper
Mangrove Snapper
Snook
Snook
Tarpon
Tarpon
Tripletail
Tripletail
Black Drum
Black Drum
Cobia
Cobia
Jack Crevalle
Jack Crevalle
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
King Mackerel (Kingfish)
Redfish
Redfish

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Center console boats
Capacity
4 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
50 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Trolling
Spinning
Jigging

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 14 days prior to trip

You can cancel or modify your booking up to 14 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.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup not included

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

Child friendly
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

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

What’s biting in Port Canaveral right now

CobiaCobia
King Mackerel (Kingfish)King Mackerel (Kingfish)
RedfishRedfish
Shark (Blacktip)Shark (Blacktip)
Snapper (Mangrove)Snapper (Mangrove)
SnookSnook
TarponTarpon
TripletailTripletail

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Port Canaveral Fishing Charters
Port Canaveral Fishing Charters
State licensed
5.0
(4)
22 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+10
5 hour trip • 2 persons
US $625