Jimbo, you do not need a license to fish private waters in Texas. Ask
around and find a pond owned privately where you can get permission to
fish. If you don't know anyone, try posting at www.TexasFishingForum.com
BTW, I agree with you about the costs getting prohibitive, I remember
when you didn't need a license to fish without a reel in your home
county. I'm in Waxahachie, Tx.