What's this weird creature I found in a tidal pool? It looked sort of like a shrimp with pincers and an elongated tail. It was alive and very odd.

I think that's a ghost shrimp. They burrow under the sand and create all the holes along the shoreline with the chocolate sprinkles (FYI - do not eat).

Rob,

I googled it and I think you are right. This was a big one. I'd estimate it was about 5-6" long and clear. Thanks for the tip on the "chocolate sprinkles"..

Cheers,
Will