Abstract: A guard 10 for protection of the gaff G of a lineman's climbing iron I is provided. The gaff guard 10 includes a vertically-elongate rectangular base member 20 to which are attached three smaller members 30, 40, 50. The members 20, 30, 40, 50 are preferably made of a flexible, tough material such as leather. A horizontally-elongate shank strap 30 is transversely attached to the upper portion of the base member 20 to form a throat 38 sufficient to receive and encircle the shank K of the climbing iron I such that the gaff guard 10 is able to slidably translate along the shank K. A sheath member 40 is attached. to the lower portion of the base member 20 to form a pocket to receive, retain and protect the gaff G of the climbing iron I. An ankle strap 50 is attached to the opposite side of the base member 20 near its bottom edge 23 to form a passageway 56 sufficient to slidably receive the ankle belt A of the climbing iron I.