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
Anglers Choice
Verified

My Charter Listings

Excellent
4.9 / 5
(59 reviews)
Angler's choice
New Smyrna Beach
 Last booking: 4 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $525
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(43 reviews)
Angler's choice
Titusville
 Last booking: 1 day ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $625
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(23 reviews)
Angler's choice
Casselberry
 Last booking: 3 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $249
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(2 reviews)
Angler's choice
Port Canaveral
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $625

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
4.9 / 5
out of 5 stars from 127 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Experience
Excellent
4.9 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (283)
Awesome day
Awesome day
Awesome day
+280
Angler rating
117
4
0
1
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
95%
Appropriate for children
95%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
94%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 127 reviews
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 Fishing (PM) 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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Kendall C.
Casco, ME
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Full day with captain Xavier!

VERIFIED   7hr โ€“ Inshore/Nearshore (Canaveral) on March 15, 2022
We had a absolute blast with capt Xavier! He worked endlessly to get us on the fish of a lifetime! He was extremely professional...
Kendall C. 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

Matthew P.
Cocoa Beach, Florida
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Half day trip with Captain Xavier

VERIFIED   5hr โ€“ Inshore Fishing (PM) on July 12, 2022
Reviews are important when traveling. I normally donโ€™t leave reviews but wanted to pass it on. Captain Xavier was great to...
Matthew P. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Matthew P. recommends Close Encounters Fishing Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Tim F.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Knowledgeable and friendly Captain. Iโ€™ve fished all over the world, and this guy is first class.

VERIFIED   3 Hour PM โ€“ Crappie/Speck Fishing on February 25, 2024
First rate Captain! Knowledgeable and courteous,ย  Caught fish and shared stories. Would highly recommend.
Tim F. recommends Freshwater Fishing Orlando
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Tim F. recommends Freshwater Fishing Orlando
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Lionel F.
Hockley, TX
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 Fishing (PM) on August 9, 2022
I asked Xavier if he might be able to put my boys on their first tarpon, a tall order. I was very impressed with his knowledge...
Lionel F. 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