I made the same move back in March, from a Cuda 12 to a '16 PA14. Your not going to regret it one bit. You might think back nostalgically about your Cuda 12, but will never regret the move! Congratulations and welcome to a whole new level of kayak fishing! Plan on un-learning some old habits, and re-learning some new ones.
My first morning out in my new PA was calm as could be...then the winds kicked up. Straight line winds were between 20-30 mph, air temp 38 degrees, water temp, just a little lower. Waves kicking over the front end. Would have been paddling backwards in the Cuda. Heck, I would not have been on the water in the Cuda, but in the Hobie, I was making 2.5 mph into that wind! All I could think...besides I am freezing my ass off and I should have worn pants...was WOW, what a kayak!
I actually found the video of that first trip on my GoPro a couple of weeks ago... Watch if you want to see what NOT to do your first morning out on a new Hobie. If you listen close you can hear my teeth chattering and see me hightail it into a cove to warm up.
https://www.facebook.com/100005695487937/videos/500053710194474/