Reeks from mackerels in chowder (4)
I believe the answer is:
clam
'chowder' is the definition.
(clam chowder is a kind of chowder)
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for clam that I've seen before include "Mollusc, one proverbially reticent" , "ringing noise produced by > very reticent type" , "Large shellfish with hinged shell" , "Quahog" , "What could grip" .)