Preface: I am sorry if this is the wrong section to post this, I considered posting in modding support, but as I'm not really asking for help with code I figured this would be a better place. If this turns out to be false I apologize and will know better in the future.
As the subject says I am looking into getting into modding, I would say I am of intermediate skill level with Java specifically. I am curious on whether I should start with 1.8, or go with 1.9. It is my understanding that most mods and mod players are using 1.7.10 and transitioning to 1.8.9 currently. Although, perhaps it would be in my best interest to start with 1.9 as it will take some time to actually get the mod up and running, as I have never actually made a mod for any game before it will definitely take some time. Most authors may also be working on the transition to 1.9 for all I know, as I am not in touch with the modding community yet.
Any advice on this subject is appreciated, and thank you all for your time.