Stick usable as a perch, once (3)

I believe the answer is:

rod

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

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for rod that I've seen before include "Spare it and spoil the child, they used to say" , "A stiff stick" , "something fisherman brings home" , "Fisherman's item" , "Stick, symbol of punishment" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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