Captain
Xavier Groenendyk

Member since June 2015 New Smyrna Beach, United States
Background
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!
Techniques
Sight Fishing Fly Fishing Spin Fishing Artificial Topwater Live baiting

Hey, I'm Captain Xavier Groenendyk

New Smyrna Beach, United States
Background
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!
Techniques
Sight Fishing Fly Fishing Spin Fishing Artificial Topwater Live baiting

My Charter Listings

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(58 reviews)
New Smyrna Beach
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $625
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(36 reviews)
Port Canaveral
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $625
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(7 reviews)
Casselberry
 Instant Confirmation
trips from $325

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 101 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (225)
Prefect day of the water.
Prefect day of the water.
Trophy Reds!
+222
Angler rating
92
4
0
1
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
95%
Appropriate for children
94%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
93%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 101 reviews
Noah C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Xavier

VERIFIED   5hr โ€“ Inshore/Nearshore (Canaveral) on September 3, 2023
Noah C. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Noah C. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Justin B.
Hinsdale, IL
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

August fishing trip

VERIFIED   5hr โ€“ Inshore/Nearshore (Canaveral) on August 2, 2023
Capt. Xavier worked super hard to get us on some good snook and help my 10yo son get his first shark. I really enjoyed fishing...
Justin B. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Justin B. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Dean N.
Cincinnati, OH
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Day on the Water

VERIFIED   7hr โ€“ Inshore/Nearshore (Canaveral) on March 31, 2023
We had a great day out on an inshore trip with Captain X. Windy conditions and the bite was slow, but he worked hard to put...
Dean N. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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  Xavier Groenendyk Captain replied

Steven G.
New Canaan, CT
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great half day with some trophy catches!

VERIFIED   5hr โ€“ Inshore/Nearshore (Canaveral) on February 21, 2023
My son was looking forward to trying to catch some larger fish, and Captain Xavier did not disappoint!! We caught a few 30-40...
Steven G. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Steven G. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Brad L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Prefect day of the water.

VERIFIED   7 Hour Trip โ€“ Saltwater (NSB) on October 30, 2023
Capt. Xavier was great. We got on a good group of fish. Highly recommend this guyโ€ฆhe knows his stuff and will get โ€˜em in...
Brad L. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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  Xavier Groenendyk Captain replied