This past weekend I was trolling a 12in plastic worm and a HUGE bass nailed it. I set the hook but only hauled water. How do you catch fish when using this technique? I'm thinking he just took a swipe at it while it was moving but he didn't get it in time. Maybe I should have put the reel in free spool and let him take line?

I've never trolled plastics in freshwater.  I would think a curly tail worm would twist the heck out of your line, no?

No, I haven't had that problem, although I use a baitcaster (don't know if "free spool" is the correct term or not for a baitcasting reel).

Interesting.

This is the first time I ever heard of anyone trolling a worm.

I can't advise on the best way to do it, but if you had a biggun hit a trolled 12" worm that would tell me to tie on a swimbait and make another pass.

We do that when we go from one spot to another with our electric only boat.  We dont go fast, but the bass hit it. We leave the worms out about 50-60 feet. Line twist galore, so If your going to do it all day long, I woul use a swivel.

what size weight do you use, if any?

I use a 1/8th. Average depth at this reservoir is 5-6 feet.