What’s better than reeling in a monster GT boat side? Standing waist deep in turquoise water and letting them come to you.

That’s exactly what Paul Worsteling decided to do one beautiful sunny day in Aitukaki Lagoon, Cook Islands in the South Pacific. Watch as Paul gets up close and personal with these giants in an extremely unique way.

It’s crazy seeing these massive super-charged fish come swimming up right next to Paul and reveal huge gaping mouths as they lunge after the bait fish he holds out for them. Although towards the end, you’re wishing he’d just go ahead and give them the bait. Come ON, man…

The Giant Trevally, more commonly referred to as the GT, is the largest member of the Jack family, reaching sizes up to 200 lbs. Their only natural predators are tropical sharks and man.

Most anglers now actively engage in catch and release of the Giant Trevally. A common angling technique when catching GT’s is “surface popping” – based on this video you can imagine how incredible it must be to have a huge GT explode on your popper in shallow water!