NO HURRICANEBOB...not that kind of jug fishin

ok ive been saving my quart size plastic milk bottles all winter. heres me plan....
tie a length of 50 braid to the neck of the bottle.
tie a circle hook to the other end of the braid.
i figure i can stuff the line and hook inside the bottle and close the lid untill im ready to put the jug out.

my question is ?? how long does the line need to be between the jug and the hook ??

question 2: what is the preferred bait?

years ago we used bluegill and sucker minnows on limb lines with the baits about an inch under the surface. our gar catches were legendary LOL