Strands · Hints and answers

Strands hints and answers for Wednesday, April 29, 2026

NYT theme clue: "Fish or cut bait" · Edited by Tracy Bennett

Wednesday's Strands board has eight theme words plus a 6-letter spangram, under the NYT clue "Fish or cut bait". The ladder below climbs from the theme to the spangram - take one hint at a time.

Hints, in order

Hint 0 of 3

Tap to show one hint at a time.

Hint 1 of 3

The NYT clue is "Fish or cut bait" - take it literally before you take it sideways. The spangram runs 6 letters and touches opposite sides of the board.

Hint 2 of 3

The eight theme words run 4 to 6 letters (lengths: 4, 4, 4, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6). Every one of them belongs to the family the clue points at.

Hint 3 of 3

The spangram starts with T and ends with E. It is TACKLE - find it and the rest of the board falls into place.