Hint: it's a long stick (3)
I believe the answer is:
cue
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'hint' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'a long stick' is the second definition.
(snooker cue)
'it's' is the link.
(Other definitions for cue that I've seen before include "Reminder to do something" , "strike" , "Sports implement" , "Rod used in billiards" , "hit ball, in a way" .)