Captain
Xavier Groenendyk

Member since June 2015 Edgewater, 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

Edgewater, 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
(61 reviews)
Edgewater
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $525
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(47 reviews)
Titusville
 Last booking: 20 hours ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $625
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(23 reviews)
Casselberry
 Last booking: 2 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $249
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(4 reviews)
Port Canaveral
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $625

Fishing Reports

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 137 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (306)
Great Fishing Trip!
Great Fishing Trip!
Great Fishing Trip!
+303
Angler rating
124
4
0
1
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
93%
Appropriate for children
95%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
93%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 137 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   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 Freshwater Fishing Orlando
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Kazuya M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Xavier

VERIFIED   NEW  7 hr โ€“ Inshore Fishing (AM) on October 13, 2025
Kazuya M. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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Corey C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Crappie smack down!!

VERIFIED   3 Hour AM โ€“ Crappie/Speck Fishing on March 18, 2025
Xavier was an awesome guide! Great experience for some Minnesota boys catching some Central Florida crappies. Awesome time...
Corey C. recommends Freshwater Fishing Orlando
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Corey C. recommends Freshwater Fishing Orlando
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John W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Rippin Lips

VERIFIED   5hr โ€“ Inshore Fishing (AM) on July 28, 2025
Xavier put us on Tarpon and snook, our bucket list fish. Unbelievable experience!!!!
John W. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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John W. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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You found this review helpful