The last 3 clubs I joined all had many things in common, none of which compared to the "good ole" days 20-30 years ago. Back then we were mostly hunters during hunting season, anglers the rest of the year, regular country boys and some businessmen. One common problem was newcomers just didn't have a seat in a boat until someone else joined needing a partner. Being invited in implies the guy inviting will likely be your fishing partner. The regular buddies tend to stick together unless fishing a tournament they can't control, requiring a random draw, pro-pairing or whatever. Each had rules about that, but when all of them ignore those "little" pesky rules, they are worthless rules. Some have fished together in every local tournament for decades. I had to bring my boat from the git-go in all three, and if I had a partner it was the bottom guy on the list. I had guys that were noisy, clumsy, inexperienced, not knowing the rules, folks that had been members long enough to have learned it all. Once you prove yourself all that begins to change, especially if two new guys start taking their money. THEN the rules get enforced. ;D
That isn't meant to describe all or maybe even most clubs. My clubs were mostly made up of 100% ******** with crude spirits, the better clubs with well-behaved folks closed to membership until someone dropped out. You'll get a good idea of what sort of folks are there just by observing them in your first meeting. You won't see much of the bad on the water. It takes having them all together in one place. I left all 3 clubs after witnessing too many bad practices, like dividing up all the weighed-in bass to take home, violating boat & game laws here & there, not getting involved with conservation programs or youth, and in all 3...jealousy. It gets to some guys when the jar is too often handed to you. I eventually learned it's good "politics" to lose a few you could win. That's no fun.
Around here club anglers hate the internet and don't trust anyone using it. The feeling is too many secrets are passed out on boards and in magazines. 'Ignorance is bliss, keep it to yourself'. I found that out when I contributed fishing E-books as door prizes, or recommended some good websites. Nobody took them home. They want line, rods, baits, anything they can handle. The deal is sooner or later you will learn some secrets that are supposed to remain the property of the originator. Don't steal a honey hole or pass on a hot color of worm until whoever found it is safe to release that. Once you learn what's safe or hazardous, then you can move on into building relationships there. Until then you are likely an 'outsider' at best and will be somewhat ignored while they watch you. Can't be too careful these days anyway. Some of that is wise.
I hope you are looking at an excellent club where a lot of the above doesn't apply at all. If it isn't perfect, gain their respect, get involved, and if possible aim for a committee position and eventually be in place to make the club better through leadership. Good clubs don't 'just happen'.
Ask your boater what he expects from you. If he says 3 rods, don't bring 4. Assume he has a very good reason for any rules or demands, ideas he's accumulated from years of partner fishing. I offered lures and even combos to keep the clutter down, but later on I got paired with old hands and they always use their own stuff, and sometimes won't pay attention to your rules. I expected and appreciated offers to share costs, but never took a dime.
Jim
It was almost enough to make you laugh out loud--go Ike, and rub it in. However, being the nice guy that I am, I behaved 
