1. Do the TPWD fishing regulations stand on private property? Just want to be legal.
2. While fishing a Texas rigged worm I have noticed a lot this year that bass in my ponds are just taking off with it without the telltale thump thump. I'm pretty old and have been bass fishing with worms for over 50 years. I have not noticed it happening this much in previous years. Maybe the older bass aren't teaching the younger ones correctly!

TPWD only regulates public waters. Private waters are un-regulated. No fishing license required, no minimum length limits, no bag limits, etc. It's up to the landowner, however, if they institute any regulations on their waterbodies.

Ques. 2. Smaller fish will grab a bait and run with it to keep a larger fish from taking it away. In a pond the fish are in tight quarters so it is much more prevalent than in a lake. Your ponds may be over-populated or have a low water situation.

Perch or blue gill will pick up a worm and run with it also

Switch to a bigger worm or try a lizard.

Also if fish are on beds they will pick a bait up and carry it off of their beds and a lot of times just spit it away without eating it.

They will normally strike at anything that comes by when spawning. Make you some of these and catch them all.

Single Spins