I have just purchased my very first hammock from another member and I was just looking for any helpful tips from other hammock users.

I purchased:
-GT Ultralite
-JRB 8x8 tarp
-JRB Tri-glides

I am just wondering what others do for a bug solution and of course, what are the first things that I should do once I get this gear? Any really useful set-up guides out there for first-time users?

There are hammock websites which some of the regular hammock users here can point you to, but on YouTube there is a guy named Shug Emery who has posted a lot of hammock videos, including a series on how to use one in winter.

Shug's videos are pretty entertaining. He also rides a unicycle and is a musician so he has videos of him performing stunts and so on as well.

I'd start here-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7NZVqpBUV0

Lots of videos by other people as well, but Shug has it down.

Yup, I second that. Shug emery is quite a character. Lots of excellent information.

They sell mosquito nets that go over your hammock if your interested in not battling the bugs.

Here is a set up video on your GT UL

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/video.php?do=viewdetails&videoid=367

Thanks for the links, that Shug is quite a characters, the videos though are very informative.

I can't wait until it arrives-- it will be nice to try sleeping off of the ground for a change.

If you're on hammock forums, search for SGT rocks "bug sock" - he makes a nice design out of tulle fabric that weighs next to nothing.

I have not yet signed up to those forums, but I will defiantly look for the bug sock
So far I found two bug options:

-The Hammock Bliss Net cocoon ($35/17oz)
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___67884

-Warbonnet Bug Net ($65/7.5oz)
http://warbonnetoutdoors.com/travelers.php

Thanks again.

Here ya go - sgt rock's bug sock:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ubLVqexckU