CLOSE ENCOUNTERS
FISHING CHARTERS

Servicing Central Florida & The Space Coast:

  • Orlando
  • Daytona Beach
  • Cocoa Beach
  • New Smyrna Beach
  • Titusville
  • Port Canaveral
  • Ponce Inlet
  • Indian River Lagoon
  • Mosquito Lagoon

About CEF 

Get to know Close Encounters Fishing Charters. Meet the captain!

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Unforgettable experience for fishing enthusiasts and adventurers of all levels.

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The Boat

Pathfinder 2200 TE

Meet The Captain

Captain Xavier Groenendyk

Raised in New Smyrna Beach, Florida or what locals like to call NSB, Xavier grew up with the world famous Mosquito Lagoon in his backyard. He spent every moment he could on the water doing everything from world class sight fishing in the lagoon to fishing for trophy size tarpon off the beach and in the inlet. With all of this being a five minute walk from his house there was never a dull moment for the young angler. Growing up with such a diverse and plentiful fishery so close to home, Xavier knew he had to capitalize.

All of his weekends and even weekdays were spent learning the local waters, recording every detail into his fishing logs. He studied the movements of heavily sought after gamefish taking note of time, tide, temperature, season and even lunar phase. With all of this knowledge he realized the key to consistently catching trophy fish is as much in the science as it is in the act.

Xavier is also a big scuba diving enthusiast, by the age of 14 he was a certified diver. By age 19 he was working as an underwater videographer for a network television show. The young captain loves to fish but has always enjoyed diving as well. He believes that seeing how fish actually behave from below the surface gives a better insight into how to fish for them. Xavier has spent countless hours underwater observing how different species of gamefish respond to certain baits, chum, and even artificial lures. The young captain loves to share his tips and tricks with clients so that you too may catch more fish!

Capt. X enjoys guiding everyone from amateur anglers and young children to experienced fly fishermen. He welcomes all skill levels and genuinely enjoys teaching the sport. Whatever your fishing desires are, Capt. X will make it his mission to ensure you have a memorable and exciting day on the water.

What our clients say about us

Matt

What a trip! Capt. Xavier found the fish and kept us on them. He also lined up a couple of other guides for our large group and between the three boats, I’m confident we caught over a ton (2,000 lbs) of black drum. Crazy thing is that this was all done in an afternoon trip!! What I thought was going to be beautiful afternoon on the water turned into a fishing trip of a lifetime. One of those trips you’ll never forget. Had we not caught a single fish, I think we would’ve still had a blast with Capt. Xavier. He’s a fun guy to fish with!!

Donald

Great captain. Experienced and top notch equipment. Put us on 25-40 lbs redfish and had a once in a lifetime day. Cannot recommend enough.

Ryan

If you want a great time, catch big fish, use top-of-the-line gear and top-notch caption. You got to take advantage

Blair

I’ve been on many charters through the years and can say hands-down Captain Xavier is the Best of the best. His fishing knowledge and instinct comes from years of experience that is evident in my photos. If you want to catch fish, Close Encounters is the boat you want to be on!

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Join us for an unforgettable fishing experience filled with excitement, camaraderie, and the joy of being out on the water. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, our charter services promise an exceptional fishing adventure you'll cherish for years to come.
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