I have new gaskets for the water pump, camshaft covers and other various cooling components. Should I still use gasket sealant on the gasket surfaces even for new gaskets? Or is it more of a mess than it's worth? Also do I put sealant in the bolt holes, for example, for the bolts holding the water pump in place?

A lot depends on how clean your surfaces are. If you think you have some warpage, deep scratches or gouges you may want to use gasket adhesive or a very modest amount of RTV

Agreed with checking flatness of the surfaces. For example the heater pipe that mounts to the water pump is an area that often has the dogears bent. I've foud a little RTV a requirement if that metal has been bent. Also, Yes, if you use a little RTV you should do a bead aroud the bolt holes.