Sounds like he was scared and is now curious. That's good!

You could hook train, and I do with my Female Boa (BCI) Behira. However, I've never had to with a BP. Anything that's going to be really big or is aggressive or has a strong food response (Behira has a very strong food response and is going to be big). Shayna, my BP, hissed at me when she first go comfortable in her tank when I first got her (about 200G). I called her bluff and picked her up. She did it three days in a row and never has since.

My advice is to support his body well, don't make any sudden movements, and let him get used to you and being handled more. Sounds like he is moving that way.

I also don't mess around when taking my snakes out. In other words, I don't show hesitancy. If Shayna is in her tank and I go in to pick her up, I do that. I don't get wishy washy. Some people put their hand in, take it out, move it around, and are afraid to just grab the snake. I think that makes it more likely to get a defensive bite. You can be sturdy and supportive and control the snake while stilling being gentle. That's the goal.

If you want to hook train, that would work, but 99% of the time, BP's don't need that. Feel free to ask how to do that if you are unsure. It's worked wonders with Behira.

Also, snake bites in general, and certainly with a BP, are more startling than painful! Behira nailed me a few months ago (hence the hook training now) hoping I was a rat. A) I barely felt it and her head is easily as big as Shayna's is and Shayna is full grown. It drew blood but really wasn't painful. B) It just caught me off guard.

Also, I always feed at night with the lights off. During the day, even Behira (usually) is not expecting food. She does expect it at night though! You definitely do not want the snake thinking you are or could be food.

Sounds like you are on the right track and keep us in the loop and let us know if you have any other questions.