Turns out it wasn’t such a bad thing for Bo Hunter’s fishing partner to cancel on him.

Hunter won the Peach Classic Fishing Tournament on Saturday while fishing solo, a definite disadvantage compared to the 44 other boats that registered for the tournament with two fishermen.

Hunter’s partner wound up not being able to participate, and an angler less confident than Hunter might have turned around and headed home, figuring it just wasn’t his day, when a busted propeller minutes before the launch made the win seem even more unlikely.

But being familiar with the Lake Mitchell waters, Hunter knew he had a chance.

“I fish down here a pretty good bit, about four days a week,” Hunter said.

This time, Hunter used a swim fluke to earn the tournament’s $1,000 first-place prize.

Hunter caught five fish weighing 16.42 pounds. Second place belonged to Tim Hatcher and Shane Underwood, who caught five fish weighing 16.26 pounds.

The big fish, weighing 4.69 pounds, was reeled in by Trey Miller.

Miller said he caught the fish on a spinnerbait.

This year’s Classic was held during the evening for the first time. The event lasted from 4-10 p.m.

The tournament is hosted by the Rotary Club of Chilton County.