Crossword Genius

Entice fish back to the sheltered side (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

leeward

'the sheltered side' is the definition.
(leeward means on the side protected from the wind)

'entice fish back' is the wordplay.
'entice' becomes 'draw' (entice means to draw or attract).
'fish' becomes 'eel' (eel is a kind of fish).
'back' is a reversal indicator.
'draw'+'eel'='draweel'
'draweel' written backwards gives 'LEEWARD'.

'to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for leeward that I've seen before include "The way the wind blows" , "Heading for shelter" , "Islands" , "Drew ale (anag.)" , "place out of the wind" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app