Crossword Genius

Something useful to an angler with a dinghy? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'something useful to' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'angler with a dinghy?' is the wordplay.
'angler' becomes 'hook' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'a dinghy?' becomes 'boat' (dinghy is a kind of boat).
'hook' put after 'boat' is 'BOATHOOK'.

'an' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for boathook that I've seen is " Push off with this".)

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