Pippen, given your scenario you’d be perfectly legal, regardless of explanations. Don’t forget, the DFO officers and any experts assisting them have the burden of proving to a judge, based on evidence they collect, that a violation has occurred (if it gets that far, must first convince they’re superiors and DoJ). If your documentation and cooler fit what you’ve described, what could the officer possibly charge you with? Your documentation will clearly show you didn’t exceed your daily limit on any days you fished and the 4 fish you have in your possession doesn’t exceed your possession limit. Assuming you haven’t hidden anything and aren’t lying, the FO’s and/or CO’s would have no evidence to proceed with ticketing or charges.
There is also this, taken directly from DFOs British Columbia Sport Fishing Guide (page 10) (I highlighted the essential part):
Fish that you eat
A fish that you’ve caught and are preparing to eat immediately while you are away from your ordinary residence is considered part of your daily limit and your possession limit. Once the fish is eaten, it’s no longer part of your possession limit. However, it is still part of your daily limit for the day it was caught.
Cheers!
Ukee