Low Limit Spread $1-$5

[mikehildebrand]

I have a question for you all, the closest legit cardroom is about 110 miles away from me. Call me a sucker, I'd rather play in the B&M after being spoiled in Phoenix.
The most common game is the low limit, spread $1.00 to $5.00 game (for those unfamiliar, 1 blind of $1.00-or up to $5 if inclined-and it is a spread bet of $1.00 up to $5.00, so as an example if the blind is $1.00, I can raise it a max to $6.00).
Anyway, my question is one about protecting hands, at the low limits a lot of time you are going to get called down anyway, but I am really pretty good about gaining a table image. Lets say I have something like QJ, I am in position with two others. The flop comes K J 2 Rainbow and it is checked to me. I decide that my opponents don't have the K but maybe an Ace so I bet to protect. There is still the chance I get called down to the river, so how much do I bet to gain EV, yet still protect my hand? For example, the pot has $3.00 in it, I can bet $1 up to $5. If I bet $5, do they put me on a buy and call out of fear of the bluff and then they hit the ace, or do I bet $3 and under bet letting them in? I hope my question makes sense....