Makes you wonder if it's a rules issue they don't like or just a coincidence... Seems like this kind of stuff happens in phases, retirements, swaps to other circuits....
Japanese Angler Aoki Retires (https://ultimatebass.com/fishing/bass-fishing-news/bass-news/japanese-angler-aoki-retires-from-bassmaster-elite-series/)
I wish him the best, looks like he put a lot of thought into his decision. As hard as it was to get to the U.S. and then qualify all the way to the Elites, I'm surprised he's hanging it up so early.
Yeah, that's an odd one to throw in the towel so soon.
Life throws curve balls that can't be accounted for, wish him well.
Rodney
He has a 17 min YouTube video about it. My synopsis- He got to where he finally wanted to be after 20 years of fishing(counting Japan where he was Champ several times) and wasn't quite what he thought it would be. And its super $$$$ to play the game up there.
Good dude. Wish him the best.
I know that Covid got me to seeing/thinking differently about 'proximity' to family. Love to be closer. Just not 'too close'.
lo
I think a lot of this is going on and it is a combination of things. Eletronic's, Rules, Pandemics, Security.
Randy Blaukat is talking about it as well.