Crossword Genius

Second smoked herring for captain (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

skipper

'captain' is the definition.
('skipper' can be a synonym of 'captain')

'second smoked herring' is the wordplay.
'second' becomes 's' (common abbreviation).
'smoked herring' becomes 'kipper' (I've seen this before).
's'+'kipper'='SKIPPER'

'for' is the link.

(Other definitions for skipper that I've seen before include "being in charge?" , "who makes short hops" , "girl with rope?" , "Shakespeare's giddy youth" , "Captain - small butterfly - fish" .)

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