Dory Princesses and Grand Marshalls
Meet our 2024 Dory Princesses and Grand Marshalls!
Grand Marshalls - Bill and Paula Hook
Bill Hook has a long and storied history as a doryman fishing out of Pacific City. His journey began in 1962 when he went on his first dory charter. In 1963, his father purchased a double-ender, and together, they sport fished until 1966, when they transitioned to commercial fishing. Bill worked with his dad until 1969, after which he gained experience on several other dories.At the age of 14, Bill bought his own commercial dory and started commercial fishing at 15, continuing until he sold the boat in 1975 to pay for college tuition. During those early days, his high school girlfriend and future wife, Paula, would occasionally join him.
After college, Bill used his first paycheck to purchase a 16’ Salem Boat Works dory, which he fished until it was no longer seaworthy. Leveraging the mechanical drawing skills he learned from Calvin Malmquist at Nestucca High School, Bill designed his current dory, Playin’ Hooky. In 1993, Andy Heathershaw built Playin’ Hooky based on Bill’s plans, and Bill continues to fish with it today. The next two generations of Hooks are set to carry on this family tradition.
Bill was a member of the original Doryman’s Association in the 1960s. When Paul Hanneman revived the association, Bill served on the board as a member and secretary for 12 years. During his tenure, he promoted the Pacific City dory fleet by coordinating with Oregon Field Guide to feature the dory history on PBS.
Junior Dory Princess - Jolene Hook
Jolene Hook, the granddaughter of Captain Bill Hook of the "Playin Hooky," is the fourth generation of dorymen in the Hook family. At just 10 years old, Jolene is already making her mark, preparing to take AP Math and English Language Arts at Stayton Middle School next year. Her fishing journey began at the tender age of two when she caught her first fish, a moment that convinced her dad of the great potential in her future. Jolene aspires to follow in her family's footsteps and become a dory fisherwoman.
Senior Dory Princess - Alexa Paige Jensen
Alexa loves the outdoors, animals and dory fishing. Her adventurous spirit was evident from a young age, as she began fishing on the ocean with her Papa, an avid Doryman, on their boat "Hi Tide" when she was just five years old. Despite her initial nervousness on the open sea, her Papa's calming presence and the excitement of catching fish quickly put her at ease.
One memorable day on the Dory, a young whale rolled and spouted near their boat, coming right up to the bow as if to say "Hi." This encounter left an indelible mark on Alexa, creating a cherished memory.
Although Alexa didn't grow up by the beach year-round, she attended school in the Nestucca School District and spent many holidays and week-long summer stays with her grandparents. These experiences deepened her connection to the area and the family tradition of Dory fishing.
Currently a senior at Forest Grove High School, Alexa is set to graduate in June. Following graduation, she plans to attend the Aveda Institute of Portland to pursue a degree in Cosmetology.