Angling for a Truce at the 'lobster Summit'

It was the perfect catch. President George Bush and his father took president Vladimir Putin, out to sea for a 90-minute fishing trip today in the hope of improving US-Russian relations.

The two Bushes failed to catch anything. But Mr Putin did, and in a diplomatic nod to his hosts said "it was a team effort".

The Russian leader was taken for a ride on their speedboat, Fidelity, within half-an-hour of his arrival at Kennebunkport, Maine, yesterday. Today, they went out again after a breakfast of plates piled high with pancakes and omelets. Mr Putin landed the only fish of the day.

At the weekend, Mr Bush Sr said: "Fishing is good for the soul. Fishing is good for one person to get to know another."

But when the two leaders sat down later for serious talks, dubbed the 'lobster summit' by the US media, there was no significant breakthrough, other than a promise to present a united front to Iran.

Mr Putin proposed the meeting but Mr Bush chose the location. Mr Putin is the first foreign leader to receive an invite to the Kennebunkport compound, where the Bushes have had a seaside retreat for 100 years.

In keeping with the New England theme, the two leaders and their advisers dined last night on lobster and swordfish, followed by blueberries and pecan pie.

But today's fishing trip almost did not take place. When Mr Bush and his father went for a trial run yesterday before Mr Putin's arrival, they dropped anchor for a little fishing. But when they tried to leave, the anchor would not shift.

Secret Service divers on a separate boat were called in and freed it.