Tandem gone fishin'

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin have gone on a joint fishing trip to the country’s most beloved river – the Volga.

The politicians headed for the southwestern city of Astrakhan on Tuesday to relax, do some fishing and even try their hand at underwater hunting. After a short speed-boat trip, Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Putin took the covers off their spinning rods and the president was lucky enough to pull a mid-sized pike out of the Volga depths. Dmitry Medvedev put his well-known photography skills to the test during an underwater photo shoot using a special camera. It is not the first time the two have spent quality time together. They have already shared the pleasures of mountain-skiing and bicycle rides, and played badminton while at home in Moscow.  The tandem’s vacation on the Volga River has showcased both leaders’ support for free fishing in Russia, and their willingness to safeguard this traditional activity for all of Russia’s citizens.