I really want to learn how to make mods. I have a lot of time on my hands and willing to give it my best shot. Where should a beginner like myself start?

I think a modding forum would be a good start: http://forums.nexusmods.com/index.php?s=382b0c9bdbae154c3a8f42e7a78f09a8&c=3485,3500

Check the link in my sig. We have tutorials and such for Oblivion CS, and Skyrim CK, don't recall if we have stuff for FO universe yet, but, we do have forums for them. We also have a few folks that are very knowledgeable, and more than willing to help you out.

Well, what exactly do you want to do? What I love about Bethesda games is that you can accomplish a lot without any skill in modeling or scripting. We're still waiting on the Creation Kit to come out, which is a pretty easy tool to get into for anyone willing to go through online tutorials. Right now there's FO4Edit, which is a pretty handy tool, but it's not so user-friendly and it can't do all of the same things - and it doesn't do things the same way as the Creation Kit would, either.

My advice: Google, youtube tutorials, modding wikis, and ask this forum and others for help. I figured out how to make the mod I wanted for Skyrim by doing pretty much all of those things. There's also a lot you can do that's sort of intuitive in the Creation Kit - if you look at a weapon in the editor, it should usually be self-evident how to edit most things. But don't just wing everything, and definitely test out everything you try in-game.

Also, this is more a general thing about using computers: File management and organization is really important. Especially if you start working with new assets, like new models or textures, beyond just the .ESP file the editor will make for you.

My advice is to take a step back and purchase Skyrim if you haven't already and start there.

Thanks all for the helpful advice.

This, and the reason for that is that FO4 is created from the same engine. Skyrim's modding community is much more robust because it's an older game. So you would have a lot more support over there. Skyrim's creation kit has also been released already.

Of course, basic computer skills, and knowing your way around your own system would be the first prerequisite. If you're the artsy type, you could always start working on textures and meshes. There are many different ways to mod the game.