Crossword Genius

Do well with fish, catching ninety (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

excel

'do well' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'fish catching ninety' is the wordplay.
'fish' becomes 'eel' (eel is a kind of fish**).
'catching' is an insertion indicator.
'ninety' becomes 'xc' (roman numeral).
'eel' placed around 'xc' is 'EXCEL'.

'with' is the link.

(Other definitions for excel that I've seen before include "Predominate in" , "Do really well, outshine others" , "Distinguish oneself - XL" , "Surpass; shine" , "Be outstandingly proficient" .)

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