The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word ANGLED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
N
G
L
E
D
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Tried to take a catch/leaning over" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case tried to take a catch/leaning over = angled.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ANGLED mean?
ANGLED verb- (often in the passive) To place (something) at an angle.
- To change direction rapidly.
- To present or argue something in a particular way or from a particular viewpoint.
- (cue sports) To hamper (oneself or one's opponent) by leaving the cue ball in the jaws of a pocket such that the surround of the pocket (the "angle") blocks the path from cue ball to object ball.
- To try to catch fish with a hook and line.
- (with for) To attempt to subtly persuade someone to offer a desired thing.
- Arranged so as to form an angle.
- Forming an angle of a particular type.