Captain
Xavier Groenendyk

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

Hey, I'm Captain Xavier Groenendyk

New Smyrna Beach, United States
Background
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!
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 US $525
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(43 reviews)
Titusville
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $625
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(15 reviews)
Casselberry
 2 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $199
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Port Canaveral
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $625
Just added to our fleet
Windermere
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $375

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 117 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (242)
AWESOME DAY ON THE WATER
AWESOME DAY ON THE WATER
Xavier was great
+239
Angler rating
107
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
94%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 117 reviews
Justin S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

AWESOME DAY ON THE WATER

VERIFIED   NEW  7 hr โ€“ Inshore Fishing (AM) on February 11, 2025
I had a great time fishing with Close Encounters charter. Xavier really new what he was doing and put me on the fish everytime....
Justin S. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Justin S. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Douglas S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip with Capt Xavier

VERIFIED   3 Hour PM โ€“ Crappie/Speck Fishing on December 23, 2024
On Dec 23 2024 I went fishing with my 2 grandkids, ages 7 and 5.ย  In Lake Howell I Orlando. Capt Xavier was great with the...
Douglas S. recommends Orlando Crappie/Speck Fishing
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Chuck K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Xavier was great

VERIFIED   NEW  3 Hour PM โ€“ Crappie/Speck Fishing on January 22, 2025
Xavier put me on fish within 5 minutes of lines in. We caught 20 specks and 2 bass.
Chuck K. recommends Orlando Crappie/Speck Fishing
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Chuck K. recommends Orlando Crappie/Speck Fishing
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Resley P.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip and Great Captain

VERIFIED   7 hr โ€“ Inshore Fishing (AM) on October 14, 2024
Xavier was excellent. I would recommend this captain to anyone. He makes sure you are his first priority. Excellent with adults...
Resley P. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Resley P. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Sarah L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Deserves Six Stars

VERIFIED   5hr โ€“ Inshore Fishing (AM) on May 4, 2024
Highly recommend!! We booked a last minute trip with Close Encounters Fishing and were extremely pleased. Xavier is knowledgeable,...
Sarah L. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Sarah L. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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