Once I pulled the rock that contained my mantis...plunging it in/out of regular SW was enough to make mine jump for it. I didn't need to use anything has harsh as FW or soda water. (I mean...try the least rock-damaging things first)
If you hand feed him, he will become increasingly bold/tame. Once he gets a bit tame, it will improve your chances of catching him in some kind of trap. I haven't done it, but I suspect that a fish trap is likely to have some success. Make sure the bait is secured in the trap so that he has to tug at it for a few seconds. If the bait is loose, he'll grab it and be out of there fast. Unlike crabs, they are very good swimmers.
Mine lives happily now in a 2 gallon tank. He's become quite a pet, although I'm still nervous whenever I stick my hand in there....
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