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
trips from US $625
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(39 reviews)
Titusville
trips from US $625
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(11 reviews)
Casselberry
trips from US $200
Port Canaveral
trips from US $625

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 108 reviews
Boat
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (233)
Xavier was great!
Xavier was great!
March fishing trip
+230
Angler rating
98
4
0
1
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
94%
Appropriate for children
94%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
93%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 108 reviews
Eddie H.
Gainesville, Florida
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 Fishing (PM) on November 25, 2022
Eddie H. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Eddie H. 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 โ€“ 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

Barbara S.
Benton Harbor, MI
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

March fishing trip

VERIFIED   3 Hour โ€“ Saltwater Canaveral (PM) on March 25, 2022
Barbara S. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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  Xavier Groenendyk Captain replied

Ted S.
Fargo, ND
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 Fishing (PM) on January 5, 2022
Ted S. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Ted S. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Karen M.
Spring Lake, NJ
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Such a blast!!

VERIFIED   3 Hour Trip - Inshore (AM) on March 14, 2020
Captain Xavier took us on a phenomenal trip. Heโ€™s very knowledgeable and a great instructor. He put us on the fish as best...
Karen M. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Karen M. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful