Three-time Japanese Angler of the Year (AOY) and Bassmaster Classic qualifier Daisuke Aoki has announced his retirement from the Bassmaster Elite Series. The 39-year-old from Yamanashi, Japan, has fished professionally for 20 years, including one season on the Elite Series.

During the 2021 season, Aoki won the Bassmaster Southern Open at Douglas Lake on his way to qualifying for the 2022 Elite Series. The best finish in his one and only season on the Elites came at Chickamauga Lake, where he placed 6th. That was the highlight of his season as he ended up 88th place in final AOY standings.

Aoki has posted a 17-minute video to his YouTube channel in which he cited his reasons for retiring from the Elite Series. He was visibly upset in the video and expressed that the decision to leave the Elites was a painful one. But he is also relieved that the decision has been made.

Being in a new place, far from home, for extended periods of time while trying to qualify for the Elite Series over the last few years was hard enough on Aoki. But this year, piled on top of this were the rigors of competing on the Elite Series, and Aoki was simply overwhelmed before the season even started.

With all the preparations required to get ready for competition, the 2022 season weighed heavy on Aoki from the start. But he thought he might change his mind about wanting to continue on the Elite Series, especially around April with his near-miss at an Elite Series win on Chickamauga.

But the short-lived success wasn’t enough to stem the tide, and Aoki became disillusioned as the season wore on.

Aoki stated that he wanted to leave his mark on fishing and make a contribution in the U.S. among the best anglers in the world. He expressed his frustration in exiting the Elite series after a tough first season.

Aoki is grateful to have qualified for the Classic in just four years of trying, citing that qualification as one of his greatest accomplishments. Though Aoki believes he’ll continue to fish tournaments, he admits his feelings toward tournament competition are half-hearted at the present time.

Aoki plans to do many things moving forward – including fishing for fun – but plans to give himself time to consider what’s next.

Aoki’s decision opens one more spot on the 2023 Elite Series. Chad Morgenthaler’s retirement opened a spot for Frank Talley, while Jay Yelas’ retirement announcement last week preserved a spot for Justin Atkins. With Aoki’s departure, Rick Clunn will requalify for the Elites without using a Legends point.

I wish they would take the guessing game out of the equation. For the fans and for the anglers. I like the way Premier League soccer annually demotes the bottom four teams and promotes the top four in the lower level league.