squeeky and duckbutt :

There have been a number of posts recently on fish genetics . See below for example.

http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=001834

In the case you are describing I don't think the stunting could become a genetic factor in the short duration that the genetic line of fish in your ponds have been there. The fact that there are some big bass from the same genetic line argues against that being the case. I agree it is probably lack of food of the right size and quantity at the right time.

I want to add to Greg's thoughts , the fact that a stunted bass can be old and be small. It may be 10 inches and be 6-7 years old . You would generally not want to put a small bass near its life expectancy in your pond. Before it could recover and grow to say 3 lbs , it may be at its life expectancy and die of old age. Unless you intend to age these fish prior to placing them in your pond you may want to consider another route. ewest