MEET THE 2026 HOWLER PRIVATEERS

After a brief hiatus, we decided it was time to dust off the van and bring back the world-famous Howler Privateer Program!

After careful review, we selected two lads who embody the Heed the Call mentality to hit the road, chase adventure, and spread the good word of Howler along the way.

Howler family, meet Joe Buceti and Graham McAlister, straight out of the Lowcountry of Charleston, South Carolina. These fine young men contain a perfect blend of music, surfing and fly fishing DNA that Howler is built on. Plus, they've got the kind of built-in brotherhood you can’t fake, making them perfect candidates to grab the keys to the Howler van and hit the road this summer.

They’ll be roaming highways and backroads, linking up with our ambassadors, connecting with the extended Howler family (that’s you), and seeing what kind of trouble they can find along the way. Be sure to follow @howlerprivateers on Instagram and TikTok to cheer them on and get a heads up if they’re headed your direction.

We caught up with Joe and Graham to get to know them better and learn what they want to do most when they hit the road. . Don’t miss the opportunity to give them some love on their submission video below, too.

Welcome to the brotherhood, Joe and Graham!

Boys. Congratulations on being named the 2026 Howler Brothers Privateers! Welcome to the team. What does victory taste like?

Pure excitement, almost as if a gate blocking a 20,000 mile road just opened for us. A 20,000 mile road whose rest stops contain fly hungry fish and waves.

How did you hear about the Privateers thing and what inspired you all to apply?

Graham and I were in the early stages of planning a cross-country road trip, and I happened to stumble upon the promotional Instagram video that Howler put out. I watched it once, maybe twice and then sent it over to Graham, where we both concluded we should give it “the old college try”. We both share a passion for outdoor adventure and filmmaking and have always wanted to transfer those interests into our career paths. The Privateer application practically grabbed us by the collar telling us to apply. 

When we finally turn you loose in the van from Austin on that first day, if each of you gets to pick just one song to crank, what’s it gonna be?

Graham: “I’ve Seen All Good People” by Yes 

Joe: “Magic Carpet Ride” by Steppenwolf

Between the two of you, who would win in the following competitions…

Karaoke - Graham (I may or may not have a six-octave vocal range, a god-given gift)

Arm Wrestling - Joe (this has yet to be settled - Graham)

Debate - Joe (solely due to my strategy of driving Graham into a state of utter annoyance until he concedes) 

Break dancing -  Joe (With 8 beers) His joints are properly lubricated. Graham (Without the 8 beers) His childhood mimicry of Michael Jackson’s footwork takes the win.

What are two absolutely essential things you’ll be bringing along with you?

Graham: If the van’s square footage permits it, I would have to bring my trusty acoustic guitar for quiet nights at camp and my prized 5’5 DHD fish for those West Coast right handers. 

Joe: First and foremost, my 9ft 4pc girlfriend (8 wt) will without a doubt have a spot in the van. I was going to say underwear for item 2, but assuming I have those, my tried and true Sony A7III.

What place are you all most fired up to visit this summer?

Picking one might quite literally be impossible. The reports of El Niño waking the waves in the Pacific has been on our minds, but Joe has been in my ear about Wyoming and its fabled trout fishery non-stop, so that is a must. Light rods, big ole’ hoppers. 

Thanks fellas. We look forward to seeing you in Austin soon. 

We’re beyond stoked for this adventure and can’t thank y’all enough for this opportunity!

Yewwwwwwwwww - Joe & Graham

Follow @howlerprivateers