The beverages and the brisket kept coming Thursday night as anglers from around the state assembled to celebrate fishing and scholarship with the Coastal Conservation Association.

Allison Schwartz, a 9-year-old from Texas City, reeled in the big one with a $50,000 scholarship sponsored by Houston Community Newspapers in the State of Texas Angler’s Rodeo (STAR). Her winning catch was a strong 7-pound, 6-ounce sheepshead from Galveston Bay. Persistence was the key for Schwartz, as this was her third year to enter.