I dont think draining and restocking is any more or less scientific than stocking adult bass. there is much to understand in both situations. I think Lakedoc is used to the slower growing northern bass therefore he is not as willing to start over. It is an option to stock adult bass and fix the situation. I have done it several times. You will encounter restocking cost of bluegill for several years but some people are not willing to kill their fish, period. if they are willing to accept the cost of fish stocking then I say stock away. I dont think one way will be any less expensive than the other, there are significant costs for both solutions.

If I owned the pond there would not be much of a decision for me. I would drain and start over. If stocked properly I have seen bass grow to 16 inches in the first year. Of course that is assuming the pond is in the south. If the pond was further north I may consider the other option.

I think you can get started much faster than stocking bluegill this fall. there are ways to establish the pond this year and stock all the fish this year. It costs a little more but it wont break the bank for a 2 acre pond. it can be done this year.