5 hours ago, RE Jones said:

I can hook them in this but the bass wraps around the stake and by time I get to them they have pull the hook loose on the stalk.  Any suggestions?

Heavy Fast or Extra Heavy Fast rod and 50-65lb braid. Gotta get them up and over the top quickly and keep them there until they're in.

On 6/20/2023 at 10:46 AM, Jeffrey Walker said:

Here is another pic.  There are some areas where it looks like a field.  And i’m not sure they are lillie’s either, lillie’s usually lie flat on the water, these protrude.  
 

Light texas rig has worked so far but looking for other ideas?

 

Johnson minnow will work?

I fish lily pads EVERY time I fish from May 1st till deer season takes me from bass fishing. Those ARE NOT lily pads. Best guess they are as has been suggested water chestnuts. I agree your options are:

50lb braid to a frog or JSM, or 50lb braid to 15lb mono to a fluke or other soft plastic rigged weedless. 

I catch bass out of 100% lily pad cover all year by targeting open areas in the pads even if that open area is only 1 foot in diameter. I would recommend a MH fast action rod as well. Some people I know that fish my lakes HATE lily pads and weeds, I smile as I absolutely LOVE them because when I am fishing the pad and weed jungles I am all by myself all other anglers I see are far away fishing the weed and pad edges or open areas. Now that I am using soft plastic flukes and other similar baits rigged weedless a D-11 cat couldn't drag me away from my pads and weeds.