Noticed variable coloration and markings in the largemouth in ponds.  Some have very distinct markings, others look washed out.  In the same ponds.

 

I am in Georgia not far from Atlanta.  Definitely no other species of bass in ponds nearby.

 

Does anyone out there know enough about the biology of bass enough to know if these variations are due to water quality, diet, or genetics, or all of these things to a degree?

Way too many factors to know why. Humans are the same species but different shades 

LMB coloration changes with where and how deep they are located. If a bass is spending most of it time suspended under heavy weed mats their coloration is very dark.

If the bass is located suspended  in deeper open off color water they have pale coloration and clear water brighter coloration. The more acidic the water the darker coloration, alkaline water lighter coloration.

Tom

 

The marking have to do with genetics and like humans with freckles, different colored skin and birthmarks gives us traits as an individual, different shaped noses and cheekbones translates to lateral lines and bulky frames can be due to diet and growth patterns, but as Tom said, bass have a unique trait that allows them to change there coloration based on cover and feeding patterns, much like a natural camouflage, as they are ambush predators, they are widely regarded as adaptations to allow them to better blend with there surroundings.